FSG has already 'given approval' on Liverpool's maximum transfer offer for Florian Wirtz

FSG has reportedly approved Liverpool's spending of $171million on Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool’s hopes of signing Florian Wirtz still remain strong, despite the Reds seeing a second bid turned down for the Bayer Leverkusen star on Sunday.

An offer of €130million (S149M/£109M ) was reportedly lodged last week, but that falls short of the €150M ($171M/$127M) asking price set by Leverkusen.

German outlet Kicker has since claimed the Reds will either have to respond with an improved financial package or offer a player as a makeweight to help subsidize the cost.

For now, the clubs remain a little apart in their pricing, but Bild reports that Leverkusen “does not currently believe that the Wirtz deal could be in jeopardy”.

Personal terms have been agreed between Liverpool and the player; all that remains is for a transfer fee to be set.

Part of the issue may be that the German side believes Liverpool’s US owners have already sanctioned the spending of $171M.

Bild claims both clubs want to finalize a deal as soon as possible, with FSG CEO Michael Edwards receiving “approval” to spend the full fee if required.

Liverpool will now weigh up its options and return with another offer, which could include the likes of Jarell Quansah or Harvey Elliott, although Bild states Leverkusen is not keen on this approach.

It comes as the two clubs continue to play increasingly prominent roles in the others’ transfer plans.

Jeremie Frimpong’s move from Leverkusen to Liverpool was confirmed last week, while a reported deal for the 2024 Bundesliga champions to sign Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken could result in Caoimhin Kelleher’s departure from Anfield.

Liverpool has agreed a transfer worth up to £18M ($24m) for the Irishman to join Brentford.

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso’s recent exit from the Bayer Arena will see him team up with Trent Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid.

As for Wirtz, the German international’s arrival looks set to break the Reds’ record transfer.

The 22-year-old has won the Bundesliga Player of the Season Award in each of the last two years, and is widely considered to be among the world’s top young talents.

His versatility will also be a major boost to Arne Slot, should he sign, with Wirtz capable of playing as a no.10, striiker and in the wide areas.

Leverkusen’s director of sport Simon Rolfes has already publicly confirmed Liverpool has “concrete interest” in the 22-year-old, with the Premier League champions convincing Wirtz to make the move ahead of Bayern Munich or Manchester City.

The initial feeling was that he would remain in Germany next year, but that reportedly changed following Slot’s pitch to the player.