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Liverpool are not currently planning for the arrival of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, Rousing The Kop understands.
The Reds have been linked with a big-money move for Wirtz after reports suggested a meeting had been held between the player and Liverpool this week.
However, although Liverpool are great admirers of the 22-year-old, RTK understands they expect the race for his signature to be a straight fight between Man City and Bayern Munich as things stand.
As RTK exclusively revealed earlier in May, the Reds are in the market to add more creativity this summer as they attempt to soften the blow of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
And while they are currently not likely to add Wirtz to the Liverpool squad, the Reds are actively working to bring in a recognised creative attacking midfielder.
Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images
Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images
Liverpool working on creative targets
While Wirtz would be an exciting addition for Liverpool, RTK has been informed that there are several more attainable targets in their sights this summer.
One of those is Xavi Simons, and Liverpool are understood to have been doing intensive background checks on the Dutchman as he prepares to leave RB Leipzig.
As an established member of the Netherlands national team, Simons has spent significant time with Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo in recent years.
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And Liverpool are understood to have leant on Gravenberch in particular to paint a portrait of the 21-year-old’s character.
With former boss Jurgen Klopp now onboard with Red Bull, the Reds are also prepared to seek the legendary former Liverpool manager’s advice before moving ahead with a transfer.
READ MORE: Liverpool haven’t learnt from Romeo Lavia saga as Florian Wirtz pursuit threatens to disrupt transfer plans
Simons is not the only player on Liverpool’s radar, though. The Reds are also understood to be big admirers of Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers.
Rogers has had an impressive season with Aston Villa, leading to full international recognition with England.
However, while Liverpool are keeping tabs on Rogers’ situation, it is currently seen as a difficult task to prise him away from Villa Park. While Aston Villa do have some PSR concerns this summer, Rogers is not understood to be one of the players at risk of being sold.
Rayan Cherki hesitating over Liverpool interest
As well as Simons and Rogers, Liverpool are also understood to be monitoring whether Morgan Gibbs-White will be allowed to leave Nottingham Forest this summer.
Should Gibbs-White be given the green light for a transfer, RTK have been informed that Liverpool are likely to be in the picture to sign him.
Finally, it’s understood that Rayan Cherki remains a player of interest to Liverpool. Cherki looks likely to depart Lyon this summer and his fee is an attractive one for the Reds.
But while Liverpool are keeping abreast of the Frenchman’s situation, it’s understood that Cherki is not seen as a player who could immediately improve the Reds’ starting XI.
Concurrently, Cherki himself is keen to join a club where he will be guaranteed a starting spot and is taking his time to decide what his next step will be.