LIVERPOOL have joined several top sides in the battle to sign Florian Wirtz, according to reports.
The 20-year-old is already a transfer target for the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Chelsea.
And now Liverpool are trying to muscle their way in ahead of a move at the end of the season.
The Daily Star report that Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan of Wirtz and plans to use his contacts and reputation in Germany to sign his compatriot.
Liverpool supposedly believe that Wirtz could fill the boots of Mo Salah should he leave Anfield amid interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Wirtz is valued at £80million by Bayer Leverkusen.
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He is capable of playing anywhere across the front line and has been predominantly used in the No10 role by manager Xabi Alonso.
Wirtz broke into the Leverkusen team as a teenager when Kai Havertz joined Chelsea in 2020.
He burst onto the scene and netted five Bundesliga goals before his 18th birthday and then became the youngest player to reach 50 appearance in the league’s history soon after.
Wirtz then suffered an ACL injury last year and saw his season cut short.
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But he has now made a full recovery, scoring six goals and registering nine assists in 15 matches this term.
He’s also earned 12 caps for Germany in his career.
Manchester United reportedly had first refusal on him while Ralf Rangnick was at the club but the opportunity is now gone.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
