Liverpool have “spoken” to Florian Wirtz and his family about a move to Anfield this summer, according to reports in Germany.
Manchester City and Bayern Munich have been regarded as favourites to snap up the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker up until now.
However, Cologne-based newspaper Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger have reported that Wirtz has been speaking to four major European clubs, including the Reds.
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Arne Slot’s side have been looking at signing the German’s teammate, Jeremie Frimpong, but there seems to be serious interest in Wirtz too.
Liverpool would need to break their transfer record
Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger claim that Leverkusen are reluctant to offload Wirtz unless they receive a fee in the region of €150m (£126m).
Both Liverpool and Manchester City are believed to have the financial resources to meet the valuation, unlike Bayern.
Even so, the Reds would have to spend significantly more than their record fee, which is currently the £85m they shelled out on Darwin Nunez three years ago. Due to the sums involved, Leverkusen don’t expect any team to meet their asking price, and it is felt that Wirtz’s future may only be resolved much later in the summer.
What is the latest on Frimpong’s switch to Anfield?
A move for Wirtz’s teammate is reportedly much more advanced, although there is still no guarantee that the transfer will go ahead.
Slot’s team are said to be discussing personal terms with Frimpong but there has been no contact made with Leverkusen yet.
With the wingback having a €35m (£30m) release clause in his contract, the deal could be completed quickly if Liverpool do decide to proceed over the coming days and weeks.
From the looks of things, though, there is a chance that both Frimpong and Wirtz could end up playing at Anfield next season if negotiations are productive.
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