News broke this morning that Liverpool FC had suddenly pulled ahead in the race for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Germany men’s national team star Florian Wirtz — at Bayern Munich’s expense. Now, the mega-transfer — Leverkusen has reportedly been holding out for some €150M — is looking close to happening.

Florian Wirtz has picked Liverpool over Bayern Munich as his next club as the German star prepares to leave Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool FC can expect a playmaker with similar qualities to Lionel Messi, according to Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, should they land Florian Wirtz this summer. The Reds have sensationally emerged as the favourites to sign him, with the German edging closer to a Leverkusen exit.