Wirtz denied dream Liverpool shirt number but second-choice still available

Liverpool are edging closer to sealing a huge transfer coup in the form of a deal for Florian Wirtz after Bayern Munich gave up their pursuit of the Bayer Leverkusen star

The transfer window is yet to open but it already feels like we could be closing in on the statement swoop of the summer. That accolade will belong to Liverpool and Florian Wirtz if, as likely, the Germany star heads to Anfield in the coming days.

Wirtz, 22, was widely expected to stay in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. And even if he did decide the time was right to seek pastures new, Bayern Munich were the red-hot favourites to land him, following by Manchester City.

Liverpool, though, have seemingly emerged from nowhere to lead the race for the sought after attacking midfielder, with a deal now thought to be close.

If Wirtz does complete a blockbuster transfer, he will add a new dimension to Arne Slot's title-winning side - but it's unlikely he'll do so with his favoured No.10 upon his back.

That's because Alexis Mac Allister currently dons that number for the Reds and the Argentina international is unlikely to be going anywhere soon despite whispers of interest from Europe's elite after another stellar season.

Wirtz could instead opt to take No.27: the same number he wore after breaking into the senior ranks at Leverkusen before swapping to 10 two seasons back. That number is currently vacant at Anfield.

While there is still work to be done before Liverpool can start printing shirts with Wirtz's name on the back, their chances of landing one of Europe's most sought after players increased tenfold when Herbert Hainer, Bayern Munich's president, conceded defeat in their bid to prise him away from their domestic rivals.

He revealed: “Max Eberl [sporting director] informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool.”

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The Reds are also poised to steal Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen, too. They plan to trigger the £30million release clause in the right wing-back's contract with Frimpong set to compete with Conor Bradley for the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold's place in the team.

Further signings are expected with Liverpool eager to build on the success of Slot's first year at the helm.

A new striker is expected to be targeted with the club likely to listen to offers for Darwin Nunez off the back of a disappointing season in front of goal.