Bayern
Munich legend Michael Ballack believes Timo Werner could still make the move to
the Bavarian giants next summer. The Germany international was heavily touted
to join the Bundesliga holders from Leipzig last summer but a deal did not
materialise with the club opting to focus on other transfer targets.

As a
result, Werner ended the speculation regarding his Leipzig future by signing a
new four-year deal but Ballack feels the forward could yet make the move to the
Allianz Arena. Speaking to The Bild, Ballack acknowledged that Werner has
remained loyal to Leipzig by penning a new deal but Bayern could return for his
signature next summer, he told: “He has expressed his gratitude to Leipzig with
his contract extension. But I think it could be hot again next year with a
change to Bayern.”

Robert
Lewandowski has been the undisputed striker to lead the line for Bayern over
the past five years and the arrival of Werner may not necessarily guarantee him
with a starting role. Nonetheless, the German would provide the manager with
the option to rest Lewandowski on occasions where the Pole may be struggling
with minor fitness concerns.

Bayern started the season in the worst possible fashion as they were beaten 2-0 by Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup. That triggered some late spending as the likes of Ivan Perisic and Philippe Coutinho joined the club on season-long loan deals with the option to buy at the end of the campaign.

Bayern are currently fourth in the league table with eight points accumulated from four matches. They are two points adrift of table toppers Leipzig against whom they played a 1-1 draw during the recent matchday. Bayern are scheduled to face Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League on Wednesday night before tackling Cologne in the Bundesliga.