Liverpool's hopeful deadline to complete Wirtz transfer after making third bid

Liverpool believe they can wrap up a deal for Florian Wirtz sooner rather than later after submitting a third bid to Bayer Leverkusen for the German playmaker - who will cost a British record fee

Liverpool hope to complete a deal for Florian Wirtz within days despite submitting another offer that is below Bayer Leverkusen's valuation of the playmaker. This is the third bid made by the Premier League side.

It is their highest yet with the package coming in at £113million - £100m of which is up front before the extras are paid as add ons. However the Bundesliga club have maintained they want £126m before they consider letting Wirtz seek pastures new.

Despite the disparity between the two figures Sporting director Richard Hughes, who is leading negotiations, is hopeful a deal can be reached in the coming days. The first part of this summer's transfer window closes on June 10 before opening back up shortly after.

The 22-year-old star has made it clear to his club that he wants to move to Anfield after Manchester City opted out of the race for his signature. Bayern Munich were also keen but they've been usurped in the pecking order by the Premier League champions.

Personal terms won’t be an issue once a fee is agreed and the player is waiting for the green light to head to Liverpool for a medical next week after Germany face France in the Nations League third-place play-off on Sunday.

Liverpool have already negotiated with Leverkusen once this summer, signing Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutchman has moved to Anfield as Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement but his £30m switch was made easier by a release clause in his contract.

Wirtz has no such clause and that has led to the back and forth between the two clubs. Liverpool will have to break the British transfer record if they do want to sign the playmaker, who is regarded as a generational talent with the Reds confident he can have an instant impact. club chief Fernando Carro previously said they "would never let Wirtz leave" for less than their valuation.

Arne Slot endured a quiet summer when he first arrived at Anfield, working with the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp. But after landing the title he's wasted no time in pursuing new recruits as the Reds look to build on this year's success.

Germany legend Rudi Voller - who left his role as sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 after 17 years - has given insight into the discussions and claimed that the German club would make Liverpool wait on a deal, despite their hopes to wrap it up soon.

"It’s no secret that he’d like to go to Liverpool. I know the clubs are negotiating with each other. It’s often the case that it takes a while until an agreement is finally reached. Of course, in the end, you have the feeling it will go through. Florian Wirtz has proven that he is a very, very valuable player. Not only for Bayer Leverkusen but also for the national team. That’s why he costs a few euros more."

As well as Frimpong and Wirtz Liverpool are also looking to complete a deal for Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez. The Hungarian impressed for the the Cherries and is one of several players who could earn move elsewhere. He is valued at £40m.