Liverpool have tabled a fresh bid for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, but it still falls short of the German club's valuation. The Reds' offer stands at £113million, comprising an initial £100m with an additional £13m in add-ons.
This would set a new British transfer record, surpassing the £107m Chelsea shelled out for Enzo Fernandes in 2023. However, Leverkusen believe their star player is worth a hefty £126m. Negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing and are expected to continue over the weekend, according to The Mirror.
Liverpool are reluctant to meet the Bundesliga side's full asking price and are hoping to reach a compromise after reaching an agreement with Wirtz to turn down Bayern Munich for the Premier League champions..
Wirtz, aged 22, has made his intentions clear - he wants a move to Anfield after Manchester City withdrew from the race for his signature, upon realising his preference for Merseyside.
Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes is spearheading the negotiations and remains hopeful that a deal can be struck in the coming days.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot views Wirtz as a key player who can propel Liverpool forward in their quest to defend their league title and achieve Champions League glory.
Wirtz is seen as a talent who can make an immediate impact, with the potential to improve even further in the years to come.
Once a fee is agreed, personal terms won't pose a problem and the player is eagerly awaiting the go-ahead to travel to Liverpool for a medical next week.
This will take place after Germany face France in the Nations League third-place play-off on Sunday.
Rudi Voller, the ex-sporting director of Leverkusen, hinted at a potential transfer breakthrough earlier this week, revealing to DAZN: "It's no secret that he'd like to go to Liverpool. I know the clubs are negotiating with each other.
"[But with] transfers like this [it's] often the case that it takes a while until an agreement is finally reached. Of course, in the end, you have the feeling it will go through.
"Florian Wirtz has proven that he is a very, very valuable player. Not only for Bayer Leverkusen but also for the national team. That's why he costs a few euros more."