RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann has compared losing Timo Werner to Robert Lewandowski leaving Bayern Munich.

The Germany striker has been linked with Liverpool, Bayern and Manchester United amid reports he has a £52m release clause.

"Of course you have conversations from time to time, but I have not spoken to him about that in the recent past," Nagelsmann told a news conference ahead of Leipzig's clash with Cologne.

"I think he now has 34 goals and assists [this season]. I think you have to mention that I would like to keep him. That is an extraordinary quality.

"If he leaves for the next season there would be a big gap. It's like if Robert Lewandowski leaves Bayern Munich. Nobody shouts 'Hurray!' there either, I think. They're clearly weakened then, and it's the same with us.

"That we'd like to keep him is completely normal. He has an exit clause until a certain date - I honestly don't know when - and if a club comes along and he agrees with them by then, then that's the way it is."