Liverpool open talks to sign Florian Wirtz but Bayern still confident

Liverpool have opened talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Florian Wirtz, according to AS.

Manager Arne Slot has been promised a war chest to revamp his squad ahead of next season’s title defence, and Wirtz is seen as a statement signing.

The German maestro is all but certain to leave Leverkusen this summer. Several continental heavyweights are already on his trail.

Bayern Munich have long been considered front-runners, but with Real Madrid and Liverpool also in the mix, the Bavarians have a fight on their hands.

Manchester City were among clubs keen on Wirtz, but they pulled out of the race after finding out he has his heart set on a move to Bayern.

The Cityzens had reached a verbal agreement with Leverkusen but couldn’t convince Wirtz that a move to the Premier League was in his best interests.

After deciding against keeping Kevin De Bruyne, Wirtz was seen as a like-for-like replacement. However, they’ve now been forced to look elsewhere for the Belgian’s long-term successor.

Despite watching Wirtz turn down City, Liverpool are unfazed. They’re ready to meet Leverkusen’s eye-watering €100 million (£84m) asking price, but getting Wirtz on board is where the problem lies.

While the Premier League champions are still pushing, Bayern remain confident about signing Wirtz.

Leverkusen are aware that Wirtz wants to move to Bayern. But they’re reluctant to sanction that transfer, especially after relinquishing their Bundesliga crown to the record-time champions.

Die Werkself have tried to price their rivals out of the market. While others have been asked to pay €100m, they’re demanding an extra €50m from the champions to sanction a deal.

Leverkusen are playing hardball, but that hasn’t fazed Bayern. 

There were rumours that they’ve already reached a personal agreement with Wirtz, but Leverkusen and the player’s camp have played down the speculation. 

Nevertheless, if Bayern were to find common ground with Leverkusen, personal terms wouldn’t be an issue. For now, it’s a two-way race between Liverpool and Bayern.

However, Madrid are still keeping an eye on the situation.