BAYER LEVERKUSEN star Florian Wirtz is reportedly house-hunting in Liverpool amid an ongoing bidding war for his signature.
Wirtz, 22, has attracted interest from a host of elite clubs, including Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Manchester City and of course the Reds after two stunning campaigns at Leverkusen.
The playmaker was one of the key reasons behind the German giants’ undefeated Double-winning run last season before amassing a total of 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances this term.
Bayern have been posing as favourites to land the Germany international during the summer transfer window.
According to transfer insider Christian Falk, however, Liverpool appear to be stealing a march on the newly-crowned German champions.
Falk claims the Merseysiders are the likeliest to come the closest to Wirtz’s astronomical €150million (£126m) release clause, which means they could eclipse the Premier League’s transfer record of £115m.
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The journalist also reports that Liverpool’s intense interest is having an effect on the German and that has led him to look at accommodation in the city.
That has caused “a bit of fear” within the Bayern camp which is forcing them to take swift action.
The Bavarians are not keen on meeting Wirtz’s expensive asking price or matching Liverpool’s bid.
But Vincent Kompany’s side are planning a big meeting with the player and his family, including his father Hans-Joachim who is also his agent.
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The two parties will meet at club executive Uli Hoeness’ house in Tegernsee.
Bayern will try and fork out a deal with Wirtz’s family that will prove more attractive than Liverpool’s offer in terms of personal terms.
The Bundesliga giants are planning to use Hoeness’ influence as the Leverkusen star’s dad is the same age as the legendary forward and he thus grew up admiring him.
Bayern and Liverpool received a massive transfer boost recently when Man City pulled out of the transfer race.
Real’s interest, on the other hand, isn’t worrying the German table-toppers as much as the Prem champions’ bid.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
