Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool are in the hunt to sign Bayer Leverkusen attacker Florian Wirtz
Liverpool appear to be making their transfer ambitions clear after public pursuits of Bayer Leverkusen duo Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz. The Reds have signalled their intent as Arne Slot's side look to successfully defend their Premier League crown next season.
Liverpool are closing in on the signing of the Dutchman as his £30 million release clause is set to be triggered, which will make him the third signing under the former Feyenoord head coach. Meanwhile, they are preparing to battle with Manchester City and Bayern Munich for German hot-shot Wirtz.
The Anfield hierarchy appear to not be wasting any time in bolstering the squad that Slot inherited and guided to their second top-flight crown in five years.
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The transfer window is matter of weeks away but it already looks like Liverpool are looking to rubberstamp their business early. With that in mind, the ECHO has taken a look at the latest reports around Europe.
Shock Christopher Nkunku talks
According to the French website Foot Mercato, Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs trying to sign Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku.
The France international has endured a difficult period in the English capital and it's been suggested that the 27-year-old is set to be made surplus to requirements with his time at Stamford Bridge, seemingly, coming to an end.
It has been reported that Nkunku's situation hasn't gone unnoticed in Europe and in the Premier League with Liverpool putting the attacker on their transfer shortlist.
Liverpool are said to have already initiated talks with representatives of the former RB Leipzig forward.
Bayern Munich and Newcastle United are also reportedly interested.
City consider Wirtz alternative as Liverpool interest emerges
In a report from BILD reporter Christian Falk, Liverpool are said to "suddenly in the thick" of the chase to sign the Leverkusen star Wirtz.
It has been claimed that the 22-year-old's parents are pushing for a summer move.
However, Bayern Munich are said to be confident they'll sign the attacking midfielder.
Reports suggested that City provided a tour of their training facilities for Wirtz and his family, who are also his representatives.
But Falk has claimed that City now have Dani Olmo on their transfer radar as they look to replace Kevin de Bruyne - possibly signalling their intentions to go elsewhere in the battle for a creative player.
However, he does suggest Bayern are further in the negotiations for the 22-year-old which will come as a blow for Liverpool, should it be true.
"We've heard Manchester City want Dani Olmo—it's supposed to be a hot topic," the German reporter said.
"He's currently playing for Barcelona, but isn't a regular under Hansi Flick.
"Pep Guardiola sees him as a good replacement for Kevin de Bruyne—and his move is a bit easier to realise.
"We also heard that City learned during the talks that Bayern are a bit further along with Wirtz.
"So: City is looking for Olmo. That would take THE player off the table."