Liverpool could decimate a Bundesliga club, as it's believed one of their star centre-backs is the Reds' 'favourite' in the position, while they're already talking to two of his team-mates.

If Liverpool are to sign Florian Wirtz this summer, the German will cost them a club-record fee. Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly set to demand £126m for the highly-sought after midfielder, with such a total smashing the potential £85m the Reds committed to spending on Darwin Nunez when bringing in the Uruguayan from Benfica in the summer of 2022.

Having made his debut for Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, Wirtz has blossomed into a creative lynchpin under Xabi Alonso. “In the last couple of years he’s just gone to a different level,” Barbadikar observed, highlighting the attacking midfielder’s evolution. With 16 goals and 13 assists across major competitions, Wirtz’s output matches his promise.

Liverpool expect Florian Wirtz to stay at Bayer Leverkusen or join Bayern Munich, but will make an approach if the 22-year-old attacking midfielder wants to leave the Bundesliga. (Times - subscription required) Bournemouth have set a £45m price tag for their 21-year-old Hungary left-back Milos Kerkez,

After links to Liverpool, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, one of the suitors for Florian Wirtz has reportedly withdrawn their interest.

This gives you the definition of the type of player Wirtz is. He's an archetypal no.10 who can operate in the wide areas as well and his flair and vision is a level above everyone else.No one has

Liverpool are looking to cement their place at the summit of English football by signing Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, and are prepared to break their transfer record to do so

This seemingly leaves Liverpool and Bayern Munich as the main contenders to sign Wirtz, but McCoist has warned the Reds against a move. The pundit claims Wirtz’s huge valuation and Liverpool’s need to sign a new striker to replace Darwin Nunez should be enough to put them off.