Florian Wirtz's Liverpool transfer decision hailed after late Real Madrid talks

Liverpool are pushing to complete a potential club record deal for Florian Wirtz before the transfer window opens but Real Madrid also want the talented Germany star

Florian Wirtz has been told he is 'making the right decision' by pursuing a move to Liverpool in the wake of whispers that Real Madrid are plotting to hijack the Germany star's blockbuster switch to Anfield.

Wirtz, 22, was expected to remain in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen or angle for a move to Bayern Munich. But the attacking midfielder wants to join Arne Slot in the Premier League after being wooed in talks with the Reds.

While Liverpool and Leverkusen try to reach an agreement over a fee for a player the latter value at around £126million, former Reds midfielder Dietmar Hamann has endorsed the move.

"Florian Wirtz has made a decision. I believe it's the right one," Hamann told Sky Sports Germany.

"Things are really happening at Liverpool under Arne Slot. They'll sign, or want to sign, two or three other players, from what I hear. That's why I think Wirtz has made a very good decision."

He continued: "Liverpool is a global club, and they've demonstrated that in the negotiations. They've probably been in contact with Florian Wirtz for weeks or months, and they've never heard anything.

"I think the Wirtz family was also impressed by how they handled it: discreetly, quietly, all in the background."

While Liverpool are seemingly in pole position to bring Wirtz to the Premier League, Real Madrid are said to still be lurking in the background. They have already raided the Reds to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold, though neither party has confirmed said move.

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However, a new report from Sport Witness speculates that Los Blancos' interest in Wirtz could be used as leverage to try and persuade Liverpool to release Alexander-Arnold from his contract early.

The 26-year-old's current deal - and registration with Liverpool - doesn't expire until the end of June. Real Madrid, meanwhile, would very much like their marquee summer signing to play for them for the first time in the Club World Cup, which kicks off shortly.

The Spanish champions face Al Hilal in their first match of the tournament on June 18.