Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele is reportedly Liverpool's back-up plan if they fail to sign Timo Werner, according to reports in Spain.

Jurgen Klopp's side had long been linked with a swoop for RB Leipzig's talisman Werner, with the rumours fuelled by the revelation that the prolific frontman's release clause is set at just over the Pound 50m mark.

However, despite appearing to be a bargain on paper, recent reports suggested Liverpool are unwilling to stump up the fee to activate the deal.

That news was backed up when British newspaper the Daily Mail stated that Liverpool 'are now no longer willing to pay more than Pound 30million for him due to the financial constraints caused by the coronavirus crisis.'

With rumours persisting of an exit for fringe forward Xherdan Shaqiri, and Adam Lallana's contract not expected to be renewed, Liverpool may be forced into a summer acquisition just to maintain a healthy standard of competitiveness in the forward ranks.

One man who could fill that void is Barcelona wideman Ousmane Dembele.

The Frenchman, 23, has struggled to make an impression in Spain after his blockbuster switch from Borussia Dortmund in 2017, notching just 19 times in 74 appearances for the club.

With the Blaugrana persistently linked with Inter Milan superstar Lautaro Martinez, along with a sensational return for Neymar, Dembele's future appears to be away from the Camp Nou.

Now, The Sun (who cite Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo) report that the Frenchman has become Liverpool's 'top back-up option' should the Werner deal not materialise.

Dembele is described as being 'rated more attainable' than the 50-plus million it'll require to sign Werner, with the possibility of a cost-saving loan move even on the table.

The Spanish heavyweights have a recent history of loaning out superstar players, with the temporary switch to Bayern Munich of ex-Red Philippe Coutinho a prime example.