Liverpool's opening bid for Wirtz in 'excess' of €100million (£85m) with add-ons

Liverpool's opening bid for German star Florian Wirtz is believed to be in 'excess' of €100million (£85m) with add-ons, according to a report.

Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly now received the Reds' offer, with negotiations set to restart on Monday to have the deal concluded 'very soon'.

Wirtz, who is one of the brightest young stars in world football, is keen on a move to Anfield after turning down the chance to join Bayern Munich or remain at the BayArena for another year.

According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal for the 22-year-old is currently being thrashed out and is expected to be finalised swiftly.

Wirtz won the Bundesliga player of the season last year for his starring role in Bayer Leverkusen's against-the-odds title triumph and unbeaten campaign, also playing a part in them winning the German Cup and reaching the Europa League final.

A deal for the playmaker could smash the British transfer record £115million Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo, with Leverkusen originally demanding £126m (€150m).

Sources in Germany say Leverkusen will not stand for anything but a fee that breaks the bank. They previously had hopes he would sign a 12-month extension to his deal that runs until 2027.

Leverkusen have kept an eye on a couple of Liverpool players such as Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah to replace Wirtz and the outgoing defender Jonathan Tah, but these would be separate moves and interest is not advanced at this stage.

Liverpool's stunning swoop for the German comes after first Manchester City and then Bayern conceded defeat in their pursuit.

According to German outlet BILD, Wirtz's decision left figures at Bayern shocked, with the club having previously been extremely confident the 29-cap German international would join for a record transfer fee.

They were said to have a feeling that Wirtz wanted to remain in Germany for the next few years as he continues to establish himself as the one of the best young players in the world.

Several conversations had been held with not only the club, but also Vincent Kompany and executive Uli Hoeness even dropped a hint on a potential move at Bayern's Bundesliga title celebration last week.

'We'll provide you with facts at some point,' he said. 'And not with further speculation. You are responsible for that.'

The BILD report claims that as well as Kompany, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has held discussions with the 22-year-old and left a lasting impression.