RB Leipzig have turned down advances from Manchester United for Timo Werner, according to Footmercato.net. The striker has scored 20 goals in 18 appearances this season and the German club are reportedly not willing to sell the German international in January.

It was claimed at the weekend that Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen on the 23-year-old, with Leipzig expected to hold out for at least £60m for the player.

The news that Marcus Rashford could be out for a couple of months with a back injury means United’s search for a new striker has taken on greater urgency but it appears a move to Werner is a no-go.

Foot Mercato suggest that Lyon’s Moussa Dembele is the Red Devils’ main alternative despite the French club’s president Jean-Michel Aulas having already stated that the 23-year-old will not be sold this month.

Even so, it appears that United may well table a bid of around €50m (£42.7m) for the former Celtic striker to see whether it tempts Lyon into selling up.