**Liverpool are no longer keeping tabs on RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons, according to reports in Germany.**
[_Bild_](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/rb-leipzig-bayern-wechsel-vom-tisch-wer-kauft-xavi-simons-6832e9f96f5de97abdf9f4aa) claim that the Reds won’t have a need for the Netherlands international if they do secure the signature of Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz over the coming days.
Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have been tipped to pursue Simons, having seemingly missed out on Wirtz.
However, _Bild_ report they have also “distanced themselves” from signing the 22-year-old, who has been made available for €70m (£59m) this summer.
Simons could still move to the Premier League
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While the Dutchman is not expected to make the switch to Anfield, it is believed that Chelsea are keen on the attacking midfielder, who was described as a “difference maker” by his former manager, Marco Rose, earlier this year.
If we compare Simons’ numbers to Wirtz’s this campaign, you can see why Arne Slot’s side opted for the latter player.
While the RB Leipzig star has made 19 goal contributions in all competitions, Wirtz has racked up a total of 31 despite being a year younger.
What is the latest on Wirtz’s transfer to Liverpool?
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Negotiations with Leverkusen are believed to be progressing well but there is still a difference between the two clubs’ valuation of the German.
It has been reported that the Reds tabled an opening bid of around €100m (£84m) for Wirtz, but Leverkusen are holding out for a figure closer to €120m (£101m).
While it isn’t a huge gap to bridge, the Premier League champions will be keen for negotiations not to drag on too long. There is always a danger that another team could hijack the deal and pay the fee that Leverkusen are demanding. With that in mind, fans will be hoping that talks come to a speedy conclusion.
_Read our exclusive interview with Danny Murphy as he [**explains why Wirtz would be a “statement signing” for Liverpool**](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-transfer-news-florian-wirtz-murphy-exclusive/)_