Bayer Leverkusen have told Liverpool to come back with an even bigger offer after the Premier League champions offered £113m for Florian Wirtz.
Arne Slot has made Wirtz, 22, his top transfer transfer target this summer as he looks to strengthen a Liverpool squad that won the Premier League last season.
Wirtz is rated as one of the most talented players in Europe, having made close to 200 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen and earned 30 caps for Germany.
On Saturday it was reported that Liverpool had approached Leverkusen with a revised offer for Wirtz worth £113m.
The deal would guarantee Leverkusen £100m, with the possibility of another £13m in add-ons.
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But The Times say Bayer Leverkusen have knocked back that offer and still want their asking price of £126m (€150m) to be met.
While Leverkusen continue to frustrate Liverpool, the Reds are still expected to welcome Wirtz to Anfield sooner rather than later.
The Bundesliga club are waiting for another offer from Liverpool, who are ready to make Wirtz the most expensive signing in the club’s history.
A compromise will likely be reached for Wirtz to leave for a figure between Liverpool’s latest offer of £113m and Leverkusen’s asking price of £126m.
Wirtz is keen to move to Anfield and has prioritised a move to Liverpool despite also attracting interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Germany’s sporting director on Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz
‘It’s no secret that he’d like to go to Liverpool. I know the clubs are negotiating with each other.
‘It’s often the case that it takes a while until an agreement is finally reached. Of course, in the end, you have the feeling it will go through.
‘Florian Wirtz has proven that he is a very, very valuable player. Not only for Bayer Leverkusen but also for the national team. That’s why he costs a few euros more.’
Rudi Voller speaking to DAZN
The attacking midfielder will be involved in Germany’s Nations League third-place clash against France on Sunday.
Newly-appointed Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag is aware that Wirtz will likely departure, having already lost Netherlands defender Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool.
Leverkusen vice-captain Jonathan Tah, a long-term target for several Premier League clubs, has also left to join Bayern Munich.
Liverpool in talks to sign Milos Kerkez
While working on a deal for Wirtz, Liverpool are also pushing to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.
The Cherries want £45m for the dynamic left-back, who is viewed by Liverpool as a long-term replacement for club legend Andy Robertson.
Jamie Carragher has urged his former club to bring Kerkez, 21, to Anfield but Liverpool are keen to negotiate that figure down and want to spend around £30m on the Hungary international.
More to follow…