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- Liverpool are front-runners for Germany international forward Florian Wirtz
- The Bayer Leverkusen star is one of the most in-demand players in Europe
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! Is Ruben Amorim too honest?
Liverpool have tabled a bid of close to £110million in order to secure a deal for No 1 target Florian Wirtz.
The Premier League champions have been strongly linked to the German international and have pulled ahead of Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the race for his services this summer.
The prodigious young forward has emerged as one of the most talented players on the continent, and the Reds are willing to smash their transfer record to bring him to Anfield.
Arne Slot reportedly left Wirtz captivated in a meeting earlier this month and convinced him that Liverpool, with the passion of the fans, is the ideal destination.
The Dutchman also promised Wirtz a major role in his attack and gave him a clear outline of his responsibilities, according to Bild.
But Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £126m for a man who has lit up German and European football in the last two seasons.
Liverpool have submitted a £109.4million bid for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz
Liverpool’s task of wooing Wirtz has been made easier by the fact City pulled out of the race due to the soaring fees involved, not just the price tag but also the associated costs to make the deal happen.
Bayern Munich still presented a tantalising option but according to Bild, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, Florian’s father, informed Bayern executives Uli Hoeness and Max Eberl of his son’s decision over the phone last week.
It is said that Wirtz’s father – who acts as his agent – revealed his son is keen for a new challenge outside of the Bundesliga after spending five years in Leverkusen’s first team.
Bayern president Herbert Hainer then appeared to confirm this speculation in a major blow for the German giants when he said: ‘Max Eberl informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool.’
Sporting director Richard Hughes is leading talks to sign the 22-year-old German international.
The Reds are set to sign at least one player from Leverkusen whatever happens with wing-back Jeremie Frimpong set to complete a £29.5m switch on a five-year deal as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement.
Liverpool and Madrid announced on Friday that Alexander-Arnold will join the Spanish giants at the start of June – a month before his contract ends – in what Mail Sport understands is a £10m move.
More to follow.
