Manchester United 'decide against challenging Chelsea for Timo Werner'

Manchester United will reportedly not attempt to beat Chelsea to the signature of RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner during this summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils had allegedly identified the Germany international as a potential acquisition ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Liverpool were thought to lead the race for the in-form centre-forward, but it was claimed on Thursday that Chelsea had moved to the head of the queue.

The Blues have reportedly now agreed a £54m deal for the 24-year-old, who has scored 31 times in 40 appearances for Leipzig during the 2019-20 campaign.

According to the Evening Standard, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'is a big admirer' of Werner, but the Red Devils will not be rivalling Frank Lampard's team for his signature.

The report claims that Odion Ighalo's presence at Old Trafford until at least January convinced the 20-time English champions to explore other options, namely Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho.