could wrap up the signing of Florian Wirtz in a matter of days, according to reports. The Reds are now leading the race for the 22-year-old, with opting not to pursue a big-money move and facing rejection.

Bayern's heartache will naturally please bosses of Bayer Leverkusen - the club Wirtz has played for since 2020. The prospect of losing one of Germany's hottest attacking talents is already tough for senior figures at the BayArena to stomach, but watching him sign for a direct rival would have rubbed salt into their wounds. The saga flipped on its head when Liverpool pitched their project to Wirtz, and the player is said to be impressed with their ambition.

According to , a deal between Liverpool and Leverkusen could be struck as early as Monday. Bayern president Herbert Hainer confirmed this weekend that Wirtz favours a move to Merseyside over Munich.

"[Bayern chief] Max Eberl informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool," he explained. "I can't say how things will continue with Leverkusen."

claim that Leverkusen are awaiting Liverpool's opening bid. The eye-watering £126million asking price pinned to Wirtz risks seeing the saga drag on, but it is understood that Leverkusen could be willing to come down on the upfront fee and accept a package which includes significant add-ons.

Leverkusen are reportedly '' that they may not be forced to come up against Wirtz next season. And the player's loyalty to his current club is said to have played a part in his decision to snub Bayern in favour of the Reds.

Liverpool have already signed one player from Leverkusen, with the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong to be formally announced once the summer transfer window opens. The Dutch wing-back is already believed to have completed his medical as he prepares to replace Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The ease and speed with which the Frimpong deal went through should have sweetened the relationship between the two clubs and boosted the chances of a quick resolution being found for the transfer of Wirtz.

The 2003-born talent, who can play in the No.10 role and a variety of other attacking positions, has scored 57 goals in 197 games for Leverkusen. He also netted twice for Germany at Euro 2024 last summer.