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Thursday, January 24, 2019, 17:18
Bayern, Liverpool battle over Hudson-Odoi, Werner
By Xinhua
Thursday, January 24, 2019, 17:18 By Xinhua

Chelsea's English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi heads the ball during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Cheslea at the Emirates Stadium in London on Jan 19, 2019. (IAN KINGTON / IKIMAGES / AFP)

BERLIN - The duel between Bayern Munich and FC Liverpool on February 19 and March 13 is one of the highlights of the Champions League' last-16-round. But they do not only cross swords on the pitch but battle over players such as Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi, 18, and German international Timo Werner, 22, from RB Leipzig.

It doesn't take much of an imagination to reveal Bradley Hudson-Odoi's diary must be overflowing at present. The 30-year-old striker has to combine his own football career at Wealdstone FC in the sixth tier of English football and, the assumedly more important job, as his brother's agent.

ALSO READ: Why Bayern is going beyond its borders for Hudson-Odoi

Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic is frankly talking about the Bavarians interest. But now strong competitors such as Liverpool and his German coach Juergen Klopp and Bundesliga rival RB Leipzig have turned up on the stage to challenge the 2013 treble winners.

According to the Hamburg based sports magazine Sport Bild has the Hudson-Odoi family met delegations from Liverpool and Leipzig to investigate details of the new parties offers.

Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (center) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on Jan 19, 2019. (PAUL ELLIS / AFP)

Bayern reportedly has made several attempts to sign the youngster while the winter transfer window in Germany is open until January 31. The latest bid is said to be worth 39 million euros. "We want him, he is a highly interested performer," Salihamidzic commented adding Bayern is in the middle of negotiations with Chelsea.

According to several media reports, Chelsea is not yet willing to surrender when it comes to a transfer taking place in January. The Blues claim to insist on Hudson-Odoi's valid contract until 2020.

A report of the pay-tv station Sky is speaking of Premier League rookie Callum having rejected his clubs' latest offer containing a monthly salary of 400,000 euros.

The winger has asked Chelsea to allow him to depart until the end of the month.

Bayern is said to be optimistic to end up as the winner of the poker game, but the deal is far from done. The same applies when it comes to the French 2018 World Champion Benjamin Pavard (VfB Stuttgart). The 22-year-old defender has agreed on a five-year deal with Bayern for summer 2019 using an exit clause worth 35 million euros.

Leipzig´s forward Timo Werner celebrates scoring during the German first division Bundesliga football match between RB Leipzig and Werder Bremen in Leipzig, eastern Germany on Dec 22, 2018. (ROBERT MICHAEL / AFP)

A French report said that Bayern is trying to buy Pavard in January 2019 and has increased his offer to 45 million euros.

Next to Hudson-Odoi and Pavard, who confirmed they want to leave as soon as possible, is Werner, a vital task on Bayern's interest list. The Stuttgart born striker emphasized he is considering leaving Leipzig despite his until 2020 running contract. Leipzig offered to extension and demanded a decision by Werner soon.

Next to Bayern and Liverpool has Borussia Dortmund joined the race for the forward. Werner indicated Bayern is his first choice in Germany, but Liverpool is said to attract his attention as he is fond of the coaching qualities of Klopp and his game style.

READ MORE: Werner scores 2 again, Leipzig tightens grip on 4th place

Werner would perfectly match with Klopp's forwarding football, several pundits commented.

Hudson-Odoi and Werner are of great importance for Bayern's ambitious plans to rejuvenate their squad and secure future success. When it comes to the duel against Liverpool on the pitch, Bayern's goal seems just the same.

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