A TRIO of Prem giants tracking Bayer Leverkusen prodigy Florian Wirtz have been dealt a blow after he picked up a serious knee injury.
Manchester United, Liverpool and money-bags Newcastle are all keen on the 18-year-old four-cap Germany starlet.
Wirtz was in action for Leverkusen against FC Cologne on Sunday Credit: Getty
The Germany midfielder had to be carried off on a stretcher after picking up a serious knee injury Credit: Getty The £60million-rated teenager has been brilliant for the Bundesliga heavyweights since making his debut for them two years ago.
The attacking midfielder has bagged ten goals and claimed 14 assists in 30 games for Leverkusen this season.
His form has prompted interest from a number of top European clubs including the three English powerhouses, who have sent scouts.
The prospect of a summer move to the Prem was dealt a blow after he picked up an ACL injury in the weekend which has ruled him out for the rest of the season.
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Get Constitution Hill at 50/1, or Jonbon at 80/1 to win Supreme Novices’ Hurdle But the trio remain keen on the starlet, who is regarded as Germany’s brightest young star.
He suffered the knee problem in Sunday’s 1-0 Bundesliga derby win against his former side FC Cologne and left the field on a stretcher.
A statement on Leverkusen’s website says: “[We] will have to do without midfielder Florian Wirtz in the long term.
“The 18-year-old national team player tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Bundesliga game on Sunday afternoon.
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“This is the diagnosis from an immediate MRI scan. The Werkself will therefore be without Wirtz for several months.”
Wirtz cut his teeth in the youth ranks at FC Cologne before signing for Leverkusen in January 2020.
He got his first cap for Germany in 2-0 World Cup qualifier win against Liechtenstein in September 2021.
Germany boss Hansi Flick said: “Florian is one of the greatest talents German football has produced in recent years, so we were shocked when we found out about his cruciate ligament rupture.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
