Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz could have his medical next week ahead of completing his move to Liverpool, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Reports in the UK claim that the Reds have had a third bid worth up to £113m rejected but Plettenberg believes it “is possible” that the deal will still be wrapped up within the next seven days as a “full agreement is very close”.
Leverkusen are said to be willing to accept an offer in the region of €140m (£118m), with the main discussion points now centred on how achievable the performance-related add-ons will be.
Most Read on Walk On
If the fee is that high, it would break the British transfer record, which currently stands at £115m.
Wirtz has his heart set on joining Liverpool
The reason why the Reds are so confident that an agreement will be reached is due to the stance of the player, who has made it known to Leverkusen and other interested clubs that he wants to make the switch to Anfield.
Wirtz has only spoken out once since the news broke that he has chosen to join Arne Slot’s side. There was speculation that he wanted Alexis Mac Allister‘s No.10 shirt, which he was forced to deny:
“Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Don’t believe everything what’s written.”
Many have interpreted those remarks as confirmation that he is looking to complete his switch to Liverpool.
A second player could arrive next week
In addition to Wirtz, it is thought that the Reds will hold more talks with Bournemouth to finalise a deal for Milos Kerkez. The Cherries have been holding out for £45m so we shall have to wait and see whether the two sides cam agree a fee.
Wirtz and Kerkez’s arrivals could potentially take the Merseyside club’s spending for the summer up to £193m, with £30m having already been shelled out on Jeremie Frimpong.
In other news, Liverpool have been linked with signing an Ivorian centre-back for £50m