The curious case of Timo Werner's spell at Chelsea ultimately saw the German join the string of strikers who have failed at Stamford Bridge in recent years.
Werner signed for the Blues from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2020 but could only manage ten Premier League goals in two seasons, as he struggled to make his mark under first Frank Lampard and then Thomas Tuchel.
Though his finishing was often suspect, Werner did at least bring pace and excellent movement to Chelsea's attacking play, and his role in the 2021 Champions League victory ensured that he will remain popular among the club's fans for the foreseeable future.
OCTOBER 28, 2020: Timo Werner of Chelsea FC scores a penalty during the UEFA Champions League group E match between FC Krasnodar and Chelsea FC (Photo: Shutterstock)
That could all change, however, with the recent transfer rumours surrounding Werner, who returned to Leipzig in 2022.
Two of Chelsea's major rivals have been linked to signing Werner in recent days - and now it seems as though Spurs could beat Manchester United to the German's signature.
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Report: Spurs set to beat Manchester United to Timo Werner signing
Earlier this week, the Mirror reported that Timo Werner was one of four options being considered by Manchester United in the January transfer window to bolster their attacking options.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Thomas Muller, and Serhou Guirassy are also reportedly on the shortlist, as Erik Ten Hag's United seek to respond to a dire start to the season which has seen them score just 22 goals in 20 Premier League games.
Fresh reports this weekend, however, suggest that Tottenham Hotspur may have beaten United in the race for Timo Werner.
The latest development was shared by Sky Germany, and states that Spurs are close to completing a deal for the 27-year-old striker.
Though his goal record in the Premier League may raise eyebrows, Spurs have been devoid of an out-and-out striker since Harry Kane departed for Bayern Munich over the summer. With Heung-Min Son on duty at the Asian Cup in the coming weeks, manager Ange Postecoglou is seeking to bolster his attacking options.
The Sky report suggests that Werner will sign on a loan deal until the end of the season, and that Spurs will cover the majority of the Leipzig man's salary.
With Marcus Rashford hitting a barren spell, and young summer signing Rasmus Hojlund struggling to find the net in the Premier League, Manchester United will be disappointed to have missed out on the prospective signing of another attacking option.
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