On the move: Florian Wirtz is expected to follow Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool this summer
Liverpool have been offered another huge boost in their quest to wrap up a swift deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
Reports emerged on Friday evening that Liverpool had entered into talks with Leverkusen over a blockbuster transfer for the highly-rated German international forward, who has apparently signalled a desire to move to Anfield this summer.
The Premier League champions look eager to quickly complete a high-profile swoop for Wirtz in order to avoid any potential complications or rival advances, with Manchester City said to have pulled out of the running last week due to the high costs associated with the deal, having previously held talks with the player’s parents - his father Hans is his agent - on a recent visit to the UK.
That appeared to leave long-term suitors Bayern Munich as Liverpool’s only serious competitors in the battle for the 22-year-old, though they too now appear to believe that he is on his way to Merseyside.
Bayern president Herbert Hainer was quoted as saying on Saturday morning in the German media: “[Bayern sporting director] Max Eberl has informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool.”
Meanwhile, Sky in Germany report that Liverpool could yet send a player to Leverkusen - said to be looking for a new goalkeeper, central defender and striker in addition to a Wirtz replacement - as well as a hefty transfer fee in exchange for Wirtz, said to be valued by his current club in excess of £120million.
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Liverpool’s first offer for Wirtz is believed to be imminent, having already dealt with Leverkusen this summer over the imminent £29.5m signing of versatile Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong, their long-term replacement for the departing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will leave on a free transfer when his contract expires next month and is expected to join Real Madrid.
The Reds are also believed to have approached Bournemouth over a deal for Milos Kerkez, the left-back successor to Andy Robertson, as they look to get their transfer business done early this summer ahead of the first of two split windows due to the inaugural expanded Club World Cup that opens on June 1.
Liverpool are also rumoured to be ready to offer title-winning manager Arne Slot a bumper new contract this summer, while on Saturday Mohamed Salah was named Premier League Player of the Season in advance of Sunday’s trophy presentation that will follow their final match of a memorable season at home to FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.