Liverpool 'preparing €90m offer' for Florian Wirtz

Liverpool are leading the race for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, according to one report.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has shone for Leverkusen in 2023/24, scoring six and registering nine assists in all competitions so far as Xabi Alonso's side lead the Bundesliga.

The young star missed much of last season with an ACL injury but has bounced back to his best for club and country this campaign and is rated as one of the top talents in European football.

As such, a host of the continent's biggest and best clubs have been regularly linked with his signature – not least Liverpool.

Stories of the Reds' interest in Wirtz have been around for some time, but now El Nacional claim that Jurgen Klopp's side are actually 'leading the auction' for the 14-cap Germany international.

The report states that Barcelona wanted to bring Wirtz to Camp Nou next summer – with the player a big admirer of the Catalan giants, having (supposedly) grown up supporting Barça.

However, El Nacional admit that 'huge' competition from other clubs (they cite Bayern Munich, PSG, Man City and Real Madrid as all being 'attentive to any news' regarding the player's future) means Barcelona may get outmuscled in a bidding war.

It is even claimed that Liverpool are the favourites to land Wirtz and are preparing an offer of €90m (£78m) in order to convince Leverkusen to sell – a number Barça may not be able to match.

El Nacional's piece adds that Klopp has "convinced his compatriot" of the move next year.

Before getting too excited about the report, it's worth noting that El Nacional are far from the most reliable source.

However, Liverpool's interest in Wirtz has come up before – with Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes even recently denying publicly that his star asset could be sold in the January transfer window.

Anfield Watch understands that the Reds' recruitment priority next year will be on the defence, having spent big on a midfield overhaul during the summer.

Any high-profile additions to the attack may ultimately depend on the future of Mohamed Salah, who is likely to be targeted once again by the Saudi Pro League.