Leipzig's German forward Timo Werner arrives for the German first division Bundesliga football match between VfL Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig in Wolfsburg, northern Germany, on March 7, 2020. (RONNY HARTMANN / AFP)

BERLIN - Ahead of RB Leipzig's last-16-round second leg against Tottenham in the Champions League, rumors surrounding German international Timo Werner are increasing.

While the 24-year-old striker is expected to return for action this Tuesday evening after an injury break, media reports speak of a nearly fixed deal with 2019 Champions League winner Liverpool FC.

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Media say both clubs possibly count on the same pattern used in the case of Naby Keita. The LFC bought the 25-year-old striker in 2017 for 65 million, but the Guinean remained in Leipzig for another season on loan and joined the Reds one year later.

Things quickly get to a must-level as people expect you to deliver a goal and assists in every game. We rather count on the approach; success is nice to have, and we try our best

Timo Werner, Striker, RB Leipzig

Next to Liverpool, ruling German Champion Bayern Munich is said to be considering signing Werner. Some media even speak of a battle between both clubs.

Werner said he feels prepared to join one of football's big clubs but has to adjust to the pressure waiting mentally. Huge expectations come inevitably with signing a top club, he said.

"Things quickly get to a must-level as people expect you to deliver a goal and assists in every game," he commented. In Leipzig, "we rather count on the approach; success is nice to have, and we try our best.

The forward admitted having to catch up mentally. "I have to learn to face every game like a final for the title." Europe's big clubs are always going for trophies, "and I have to gain stability in my performance lasting for a longer period such as 30 games."

The next short-term challenge is ahead when the East German team are crossing swords with the Premier League side of star coach Jose Mourinho. The Rasenballsport striker expects a tight game on eye-level following a narrow 1-0 victory in London.

Having delivered the winning goal by a penalty is providing confidence, "but all of us need to stay fully concentrated."

Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann underlined the attacker's importance for his side.

Leipzig's German forward Timo Werner celebrates scoring a penalty during the German first division Bundesliga football match Fortuna Dusseldorf v RB Leipzig in Duesseldorf on Dec 14, 2019. (INA FASSBENDER / AFP)

In the club's last league game against Wolfsburg which ended in a goal-less draw, Werner only turned up for a 30-minute test. "Everyone could see the great impact he has on our game," the 32-year-old manager said.

Leipzig's difficulties in breaking through robust defenses became apparent in the side's recent league games against Leverkusen and Wolfsburg. Only drawing twice, Leipzig gambled away its chances to play a vital role in the race for the 2020 national title.

Much more worrying seems the danger to lose one of the league's four top spots entitling for next season's Champions League campaign.

The tableau's fourth, Leverkusen, reduced the gap to Leipzig to only three points with Moenchengladbach as fifth only four points away.

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Werner's 21 goals in 25 league games (plus 8 assists) and four goals in the Champions League might tell the story of Leipzig's dependency on their most successful scorer.

Sporting director Markus Kroesche is insisting RB is prepared for a possible Werner departure in summer. Fans now puzzle over the question if the club and Werner are to secure the first champions League last-8-round qualification in history against Mourinho's Tottenham.