BERLIN, April 30 -- An unwritten law in German football seems to have lost its relevance. For decades it said if the country's leading club was keen to sign a player then everything would work out in Bayern Munich's favor.
Now the case of Timo Werner indicates times must have changed. According to inside information, the 24-year-old German international has rejected an offer to join the reigning German Champion this summer.
According to media reports, Werner's management informed the Bavarians a while ago. As a result, the 2013 treble winner has intensified his efforts to sign Manchester City star Leroy Sane.
Bayern coach Hansi Flick had a 30-minute chat on the phone with the German international while sports director Hasan Salihamidzic is said to be in negotiations with the Premier League side.
Werner's decision not only opens Bavarian doors for Sane but increases the possibility of a Werner move to Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The club managed by the German Juergen Klopp is said to be the striker's first choice should he leave RB Leipzig. Reports speak of Klopp's big interest in Werner and his intense efforts to convince the lively attacker.
Werner can fall back on an exit clause in his contract until 2023, allowing him to leave Leipzig this summer for a sum in the region of 60 million euros.
Statements made by his management team indicate Werner couldn't get over the disappointment at Bayern's eventual disinterest last year after negotiations lasting over several months.
Last season Werner appeared to be one of football's bargains as he was on sale for 25 million euro. After Bayern's surprising withdrawal, Werner extended his contract in Leipzig, including an exit clause containing a dynamically increasing transfer fee.
Bayern coach Flick was said to favour a Werner transfer but now has to change his plans. Werner was meant to either replace spearhead Robert Lewandowski in case of an injury break or to give the Pole a rest. Werner could have widened Flick's options to choose a twin spearhead. Now Serge Gnabry or Thomas Mueller have to do the job.
After Werner's decision, Bayern have turned their attention to Sane. The Citizens' winger seems to have convinced Bayern that he is willing to follow the old unwritten law.
Bayern's designated chairman Oliver Kahn announced his side is only going to sign new faces if they fit the club's team philosophy.
Kahn is said to be having negotiations with Sane's management. Approval for the deal is expected within the upcoming weeks.
Meanwhile, Bayern officials are anxiously waiting for the German national and state government's politics to allow games behind closed doors by mid-May.
As all clubs of the Bundesliga Bayern are highly interested in finishing the 2019/2020 season in an orderly fashion and then concentrating on international tasks such as to complete the Champions League campaign.
After Flick and Mueller extended their contracts until 2023, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is expected to follow their example shortly.
The contract renewals are said to have created a motivational boost in Munich. Many are hoping the renewed enthusiasm is going to lead the side to the crown of European football, such as winning the Champions League.
With a success of that importance, it seems bearable coming second best in their efforts to sign Timo Werner and then going for Leroy Sane instead.