Timo Werner 'to officially complete his £53m move to Chelsea this week'

Chelsea will complete their £53million move for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner this week, according to The Evening Standard.

The Blues agreed a five-year contract worth £180,000 a week with the Germany star earlier this month after meeting his release clause.

Talks over how the deal will be structured have been ongoing over the last week, but the Blues are now close to officially announcing Werner's arrival.

The striker's £53m release clause - which Liverpool refused to pay given the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus crisis - expired at midnight on June 15.

Chelsea capitalised on their rivals going cold on Werner, who had been expected to make the move to Anfield after holding talks with Jurgen Klopp.

But he is now on the verge of becoming a Chelsea player after Frank Lampard was promised the funds to strengthen his squad significantly.

Last Friday, RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann admitted that the 24-year-old would be leaving at the end of the season.

'I do not expect Timo to be here next season,' the 32-year-old told DAZN after Leipzig secured a 2-0 win over Hoffenheim.

Chelsea triggered Werner's release clause before Monday's deadline but will unable to get him on the pitch before the start of next season.