Liverpool open talks with Bayer Leverkusen over Florian Wirtz transfer

Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.

Liverpool have made initial contact with Bayer Leverkusen over Florian Wirtz as they look to put the wheels in motion for a blockbuster transfer this summer window.

The Reds made it known to Wirtz's entourage last week that they would be interested in a deal with Leverkusen, if the 22-year-old decided he wanted a fresh challenge away from the Bundesliga.

At the time, Manchester City and Bayern Munich were still in the race and the expectation at Anfield had been that the player would opt to stay in his homeland

However, it was reported on Friday evening that Bayern had increasingly accepted that Wirtz was leaning towards Liverpool

the Premier League champions are now in direct contact with Bayer over a deal that could smash the club's £75m transfer record, paid to land Virgil van Dijk in January 2018.

Wirtz has been rated at around £125m and the cost of financing the deal was reported to have been the reason behind City's decision to walk away

It's understood an agreement is not yet close between the two clubs but Wirtz has been earmarked as a priority signing at Anfield

Dialogue with the German side over Wirtz has been aided by the ongoing conversations regarding Jeremie Frimpong, who is expected to be confirmed as a Reds signing undergoing a medical late last week.

The versatile playmaker was criticised by Bayern legend Stefan Effenberg in German media last week for deliberating on his next career move, with the ex-midfielder saying:

Effenberg

"I think it's a shame that there has still been no official statement from the Wirtz side about the direction in which things could go.“

“So all sides - clubs, fans, the public - remain in the dark for far too long. This is tiring and not appropriate to the situation."

Xabi Alonso said:

"Flo is one of the top players in the world. He is world-class. Flo has a very mature mind. The people around him, his parents, they want the best for him.

"They are in a very important moment of his career. Whatever he does, I am really close to Flo, and I will be happy for him.

“Let's wait a little bit. It's normal in football that there are rumours, especially with such a special player."

The Leverkusen No.10 would represent something of a statement signing for Slot's champions as they look to consolidate after wrapping up a 20th league title with four games to spare last month.

Wirtz, who can play in a number of positions across the front, is currently on holiday after concluding his Bundesliga term last weekend.