Erik ten Hag's influence could be pivotal in Liverpool's pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's star Florian Wirtz, with the Reds having reportedly lodged an initial bid for the talented midfielder.
The ex- Manchester United manager, now at the helm of Leverkusen following Xabi Alonso's departure, has inherited a squad featuring Wirtz, who Liverpool are believed to have valued with a $114 million (£84 million) offer.
Despite Leverkusen holding out for a heftier $171 million (£126 million), which would smash Liverpool's transfer record, ten Hag hasn't dismissed the possibility of Wirtz staying put.
"He's a super player," ten Hag remarked. "I've watched him and his development with great joy. Whether he'll stay, you never know."
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool are eager for a swift conclusion to negotiations for the 22-year-old, with both clubs still hashing out the price and payment terms. Wirtz is said to have nodded to the switch, snubbing Bayern Munich in the process.
Liverpool's transfer strategy also includes discussions about Wirtz's teammate Jeremie Frimpong, eyed as a potential successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 24-year-old former Man City youth product, who was instrumental under Alonso, reportedly has a $41 million (£30 million) buyout clause.
Erik ten Hag may have a say in whether Florian Wirtz leaves Leverkusen for Liverpool
Erik ten Hag may have a say in whether Florian Wirtz leaves Leverkusen for Liverpool (Image: GETTY)
Ten Hag has kept his cards close to his chest regarding his plans and potential transfers, including the future of Jonathan Tah amidst interest from top clubs.
The Dutch manager said: "I didn't talk to players yet, the timeframe was too short for that.
"The players are with their national team or on vacation. That is still to come.
"I have an idea of the squad, but not in detail yet. We still need to approach that, but we also still have time for that.
"But of course we can't wait that long for that, we need to make decisions."
Liverpool, meanwhile, are gearing up for a bustling summer as they aim to enhance Arne Slot's championship-winning squad, with Frimpong expected to be among several new faces in defense.
Chairman Tom Werner expressed the club's ambition.
"It's already busy. We go again. It never gets old, winning. We owe it to all of our supporters to bring back a team even better next season."