Bayern confirm £126m Wirtz set for Liverpool after failed bid to sign him

Liverpool have seemingly won the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.

The German attacker is one of the biggest names on the market in the upcoming transfer window with the Reds going head to head with Bayern Munich to tempt him to join.

That came after Man City withdrew from the race over soaring fees and Bayern had remained as favourites, before Mail Sport reported on Friday that the Reds were edging ahead for the 22-year-old, who scored 16 goals and registered 15 assists this season.

And, according to German outlet BILD, Wirtz has now decided Anfield is where his future lies and has agreed to join the club.

The report claims that Hans-Joachim Wirtz, Florian's father, informed Bayern executives Uli Hoeness and Max Eberl over a phone call this week after the trio met up.

It is said that Wirtz's father - who acts as his agent - revealed his son is keen for a new challenge outside of the Bundesliga after spending five years in Leverkusen's first team.

Bayern president Herbert Hainer then appeared to confirm this speculation on Saturday in a major blow for the German giants when he said: 'Max Eberl informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool.'

The report goes on to claim that Wirtz's decision has 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 players of his generation.

Several discussions had been held with not only the club, but also Vincent Kompany and 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 alongside Kompany, Liverpool boss Arne Slot has held discussions with the 22-year-old and left a lasting impressing.

Mail Sport has previously revealed Liverpool have made formal contact with Leverkusen and the clubs will now negotiate over the hefty fee and potential add-ons.

If Wirtz - who sources have indicated is keen to move to Liverpool - did complete a move, he would likely cost a British transfer record fee and Leverkusen want €150m (£125.9m).

Sporting director Richard Hughes will lead talks to sign Wirtz although suggestions that Fenway Sports Group football chief Michael Edwards flew to Boston this week to get the green light on the finances were not true.

The Reds are set to sign at least one player from Leverkusen whatever happens with wing back Jeremie Frimpong last week being in England to complete a medical ahead of a £29.5million switch

The transfer snub still comes as a huge blow for Bayern as they aim to back up regaining the Bundesliga title from Leverkusen.

After missing out on Wirtz, they are said to be eyeing up the likes of PSG's Xavi Simons, Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma and Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, while negotiations with Leroy Sane over a new contract have reopened.