Liverpool are emerging as favourites to sign Florian Wirtz and have been handed a significant boost in their chances of pulling off a statement £126million coup of the German superstar.
The Bayer Leverkusen attacker is one of the biggest names on the market in the upcoming transfer window with Mail Sport reporting earlier this week that Liverpool were set to go head to head with German giants Bayern Munich to tempt him to join.
But now the noise from Germany is that a switch to Bundesliga champions Bayern is unlikely for the 22-year-old, who scored 15 goals and registered 16 assists this season.
Liverpool are now favourites and in command of the race to sign Wirtz, though it is no certainty he will leave Leverkusen.
Liverpool have made formal contact with Leverkusen and the clubs will now negotiate over the hefty fee and potential add-ons.
Sources have indicated the player is keen on moving to England.
Liverpool appear to have moved a step closer to completing the signing of Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz
Arne Slot’s side will likely need to pay a British transfer record fee to bring the 22-year-old to Anfield. Pictured: Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes (left) and head coach Slot (right)
Despite winning the Premier League, the Reds are set for a sizeable squad overhaul this summer
Real Madrid are also lurking in the background though it is unlikely they would commit to such a hefty fee despite Xabi Alonso, Wirtz’ manager at Leverkusen, set to join the Spanish giants this summer.
The player’s parents – who act as his agents – are playing an influential role in where their son plays his football next season and are not yet ruling out staying put at his current club. The parents were in England last week.
Manchester City looked into the possibility of signing him but concluded that a deal would be too expensive. He would likely cost a British transfer record fee and Leverkusen want €150m.
And even if he does decide to leave last year’s German champions, Liverpool would need to negotiate with the club.
Sporting director Richard Hughes will lead talks to sign Wirtz and suggestions that Fenway Sports Group football chief Michael Edwards flew to Boston this week to get the green light on the finances were not true.
The Reds are set to sign at least one player from Leverkusen whatever happens with wing back Jeremie Frimpong last week being in England to complete a medical ahead of a £29.5million switch