Florian Wirtz looks to be on the verge of completing a move to Liverpool, with the Reds said to have now reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen.
According to Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement has been reached between the two clubs for a package worth around $171 million (€150M) including add-ons, which would be a club and Premier League record transfer fee.
A move for Wirtz has been in the works over the past week or so, with Liverpool having emerged as the clear favorite to sign the German international after both Manchester City and Bayern Munich exited the race.
The Reds made three offers, all of which were rejected, before making a final bid after Leverkusen was claimed to have dropped its asking price in order to get the move through quicker.
Although the first transfer window of the summer has now closed, a medical is said to have been scheduled, with Romano suggesting the move could be confirmed 'imminently'.
Alex Grimaldo of Bayer Leverkusen and Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen celebrates
Florian Wirtz is expected to complete his move to Anfield soon (Image: Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)
Wirtz's move to Anfield could therefore be made official when the window reopens on June 16, with the 22-year-old's international commitments with Germany having now ended after a 2-0 defeat to France in the UEFA Nations League third-place play-off on Sunday.
Should a deal for Wirtz be confirmed as quickly as expected, he could be in line to make his first appearance for his new club when Liverpool begins its pre-season schedule against Preston North End on July 13.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
He will join former Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong in making the move to Merseyside, with the right-back having been confirmed as Liverpool's first new signing of the summer, before young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi also completed a move from Puskas Akademia.
Liverpool is not expected to end its business there, with Milos Kerkez being heavily linked with being the Reds' next signing. Sky Sports has reported that contact has been made with Bournemouth for the left-back, with the Cherries having already lined up a replacement for the Hungarian.
Liverpool.com says: It's all getting rather exciting, isn't it! What a signing Wirtz is, and it's a sign that Liverpool means serious business as it looks to defend its Premier League title next season.