Timo Werner should think long and hard about whether a move away from RB Leipzig might reduce his playing opportunities, according to Ralf Rangnick.
Former Leipzig head coach Rangnick, who now works for the club's owners Red Bull as head of sport and development, would welcome Werner staying put and remaining in the Bundesliga.
However Rangnick says the Germany striker is not irreplaceable and predicted Leipzig would be able to cope should Werner decide to leave at the end of this season.
Liverpool are among the clubs who have been linked with the in-demand 24-year-old, who indicated in recent days that he would rather move abroad than join potential suitors Bayern Munich.
"I know his family and that of his girlfriend and his agent very well," Rangnick said. "He has continued to develop, especially in terms of his strike rate, and could take another leap under [Leipzig coach] Julian Nagelsmann and his colleagues. I would be happy if he stayed."
Speaking to German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung, Rangnick added: "In my opinion, RB Leipzig are so well positioned that he can be replaced. Timo will carefully consider whether he has the opportunity to play as regularly as is the case here at another club."
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Rangnick has also confirmed interest from Serie A giants AC Milan but says "a lot would have to come together" for him to consider a coaching comeback.
He has been linked for several months with the Milan top job and has previously spoken of "loose enquiries" from San Siro chiefs.
Stefano Pioli has yet to fully convince at Milan since signing a two-year contract to coach the team last October, which has fuelled the Rangnick talk.
"There has been an interest," Rangnick said. "But with the coronavirus there have been other things to consider besides thinking whether Rangnick is the right man for them - and Milan something for me.
"I've been living in Leipzig for six years, I feel extremely comfortable here and I can very well imagine staying here longer. A lot would have to come together to think about something else.
"I'm not interested in financial aspects. For me it's about: Do you feel that you have a certain influence? And it's not so much about power, even if you need it in certain situations to get certain things going."