Werner’s name seemed to fit the bill as RB Leipzig chiefs told the star to either sign a new deal or find a new team.
However, with Dortmund having just received £58m for Christian Pulisic, who will join Chelsea at the end of the year, the Bundesliga leaders will need to reinvest that money in a new attacker.
Werner’s contract runs out at the end of next year, but Leipzig are reportedly unwilling to let the star leave on a free, instead preferring to cash in.
CEO of RB Leipzig, Oliver Mintzlaff told German publication Kicker that Werner would be sold in the summer if he refused to agree terms on a new long-term deal.
Dominic Solanke recently departed for Bournemouth (Image: GETTY)
The 22-year-old has attracted attention from a host of clubs throughout Europe, with Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Arsenal and now Borussia Dortmund reportedly interested.
And Mintzlaff seemed to hint that with interest building, the team would look to take advantage of that to hike up the fee.
“Logically, we have to know at the latest after the end of the season,” he told Kicker.
“Because, of course, an association like us can not afford to go with Timo Werner in a final contract year.
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Timo Werner will be sold if he is unable to agree a new deal before the summer (Image: GETTY)
“[We have] discussed with him and his advisor, as all parties have the same understanding.
“It's logical that such a player should be courted by clubs that have a very different sporting perspectives and different financial possibilities than we have.
“But as long as we evolve as a club, Champions League participation would be very helpful.”