With the January transfer window open, several top players are being linked with moves this month or for next summer. We're profiling some of the best, including a breakdown of the player's strengths and weaknesses, the latest reporting on his transfer status and a round-up of interested teams, with the likelihood of a move and where the best fit might be.

Next up, a striker from Germany who has every top club in Europe chasing his signature ...

TIMO WERNER

Age: 23

Position: Striker

National team: Germany

Previous clubs: VfB Stuttgart

Contract expiry: 2023

Career appearances: 244

Goals: 100

SCOUTING REPORT

Werner started out as a right-winger at Stuttgart before he made the move to striker under Alexander Zorniger, using his pace to get the better of his opponents. After Stuttgart's relegation from the Bundesliga in 2016, Leipzig landed him for around €10m and his goal scoring record over recent seasons (86 in 141 games) suggests the move up front paid off.

The Germany international is certainly not a target man, nor is he a striker that hangs on the shoulder of the last defender. Instead, he's more of a link player and has moved further back on the pitch in recent years to play to his strengths.

RB Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann told the Bundesliga website: "From this deeper position, he's much more involved in our build-up play and combinations. In the last few years all his moments have come in transition, whereas now he has his moments in combination play too. He's having many more touches of the ball than in previous years, and this new position has done his development good, playing in between the lines against teams who sit deep. That's another trait he'll need if he wants to be one of the best in Europe. There are a lot of teams who sit deep and defend deep against you, and he needs that second way of being dangerous to opponents too, and he's definitely developed that this year."

JANUARY MARKET VALUE: €75 million (£67.5m)

According to Transfermarkt, his value was only €8m when he was at Stuttgart, but over the course of 2017 it went from €12m to €60m. Now it's slightly more, though the fact he signed a new contract in August may have something to do with that. His previous deal was due to expire in the summer, but he added an extra three years and various reports suggest he either has a release clause set at €150m or around €30m. Quite a big difference, but sources have told ESPN his clause is "affordable."

SOURCES TELL ESPN FC: RB Leipzig have no intention to sell Werner in January as they chase the Bundesliga title this season and are in the next round of the Champions League. There is no time to sign a replacement but they will likely let him leave in the summer and a number of clubs are interested.

Real Madrid had preliminary interest during summer and could revisit if Luka Jovic continues to underperform; Atletico Madrid had been in touch before but have now moved on to other targets. If he stays in Germany, Bayern are the obvious place but though Bayern Munich are interested, the player doesn't see them moving to a 4-4-2 formation and does not want to play wide on 4-3-3.

There are also ongoing talks for a summer move to Liverpool and, right now, the Reds are favourites.

FRONT-RUNNERS

LIVERPOOL

Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the striker and Werner will be a summer target as the Premier League champions-elect look to bolster their squad. The 23-year-old's high energy style and ability to play across the front three make him a perfect fit for Klopp's Liverpool, but the biggest problem facing the club is convincing the Germany international that he will be a regular at Anfield.

Unless one of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino or Sadio Mane leaves Liverpool this summer -- and that is highly unlikely -- Werner will have to fight to dislodge one of Klopp's "Fab Three." With a raft of alternative clubs able to offer Werner the chance of becoming the focal point of their attack, Liverpool might struggle to seal a deal. -- Mark Ogden.

Transfer Rating: 7/10

CHELSEA

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is determined to add proven quality to his attacking options at Stamford Bridge and, with 25 goals in 27 appearances for Leipzig this season, Werner is clearly in that top level category.

Lampard wants to find a foil for Tammy Abraham and increase competition for places and, having not spent on transfers since signing Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund 12 months ago, Chelsea have the funds to win the race for Werner. But being in the Champions League could be the key to any deal, so Chelsea risk missing out on the player if they fail to secure a top four finish or actually win the trophy this season. -- Mark Ogden.

Transfer Rating: 7/10

REAL MADRID

Madrid have been persistently linked to Werner, but went for a different Bundesliga striker (one who had outscored the RB Leipzig frontman last season) when they signed Jovic from Eintracht Frankfurt for €60m. Jovic was supposed to ease the goal scoring burden on Karim Benzema but has failed to impress so far, with just one goal in all competitions.

There's no denying Madrid have a goal problem -- Benzema has 12 La Liga this season but Sergio Ramos, Casemiro and Luka Modric are the next top scorers on just three -- but it's not an issue they are looking to address in January. This summer could be a different matter. -- Alex Kirkland.

Transfer Rating: 6/10