Liverpool are eager to wrap up the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz but negotiations have proven difficult, with the German outfit demanding a fee of £126m for their star man
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson says he hopes the club can seal a deal for "exciting player" Florian Wirtz and admitted the playmaker caused his Scotland team problems when Germany thrashed them 5-1 at Euro 2024.
Liverpool are hopeful of closing a deal for Wirtz but have endured some tough negotiations after having a number of bids rejected for the playmaker - the latest being a £114million offer.
Leverkusen are holding out for a fee of £126m, which would be a British transfer record, as they look to profit as much as possible from a player who is regarded as one of the biggest talents in the game right now.
Wirtz scored 16 goals with 13 assists last season to underline his potential and Liverpool see him as having a transformative impact on the club.
Left-back Robertson has now spoken out on the possibility Wirtz could be playing for Liverpool next season, admitting he could see the midfielder would be a "top player" after starring against his Scotland side during the first game of Euro 2024.
Germany thumped the Scots, with Wirtz scoring the first goal of the game - a scorcher from distance. Robertson recalled his "excellent" performance and said the team would be happy to have an "exciting talent" like him arriving an Anfield.
"He was excellent against us, I do remember that," he told Sky Sports. "Obviously that game was extremely tough for us but he was excellent, he was the one causing us problems in the half space running in behind. He can mix it up.
"I haven't seen too much of him but I have played against him and that was enough for me to see he was going to be a top player. Obviously we played Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League as well. We dominated that game a bit more and it was a bit more difficult, but certainly in the German team against us he was excellent.
"We certainly are linked with him, that's for sure. You can't miss it you can't not see it but if we get him through it's an exciting talent through the door.
"We've already got a lot of exciting talent and he's a right good player and he'll only help us and if he does get through the door we'll be excited to play with him."
As it stands, Liverpool are refusing to meeting Leverkusen's £126m asking price but are prepared to stump up £100m with add-ons, including a possible swap deal amid claims the German side are keen on Curtis Jones.
The Reds are keen for Wirtz to avoid the pressure of being the most expensive transfer in British history - which is currently held by Chelsea's Moises Caicedo - and their £114m bid reflects that.