Liverpool are refusing to meet the buyout clause of RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

The Mirror says Liverpool have refused point bank to pay Werner's release clause - even if that means losing out on the world-class striker.

As things stand - with his club Leipzig insisting they will not negotiate a price tag below his £50million contract release - the Reds have withdrawn completely from any talks over the striker, and will not pursue his signature.

Boss Jurgen Klopp has been straight with the Germany international forward, despite expressing a long-term interest in signing him, by insisting the transfer market has been turned upside, slashing his potential value.

The financial crisis inflicted on football by the global coronavirus pandemic means Anfield chiefs are facing at least a £100million shortfall in income over the next 12 months.

And with most of Europe's top clubs facing similar problems, it has changed the transfer landscape completely.