Manchester City want to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, but they are facing competition from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.
That is according to The Daily Star, who has claimed that Chelsea are also keen on Wirtz.
So, what has been reported about Manchester City, Liverpool and Florian Wirtz?
Let’s take a look.
What’s the story?
Well, according to The Daily Star, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Chelsea were already on the hunt for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.
City, Bayern and Chelsea were reportedly “already at the front of a lengthy queue” for the £80 million-rated 20-year-old.
However, Liverpool are now showing real interest in Wirtz.
The Daily Star has reported that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp “is a huge admirer” of the 20-year-old and believes that he could replace Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah in the team.
The report has added that Bayer are unlikely to consider any offers for the youngster in the January transfer window as they are involved in the Bundesliga title race.
Bayer are actually two points clear of defending champions and second-placed Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table.
My View: Manchester City could beat Liverpool to Florian Wirtz
In my opinion, Manchester City could be able to beat Liverpool and Chelsea to the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
First of all, City, who won the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup last season, are able to afford the £80 million transfer fee that Bayer want for Wirtz.
Whether the defending Premier League champions pay that sum is another matter altogether, but City are a wealthy club that can pay it.
Secondly, Pep Guardiola is a hugely appealing factor for any player, especially for someone who is just 20.
Wirtz would have seen the development and growth of Phil Foden under Guardiola.
Wirtz could develop and improve under the City manager just like Foden.
Playing for one of the greatest ever managers would be a joy and an honour for Wirtz, who is “simply an outstanding technician” and has “got a good total package” according to former Germany head coach Hansi Flick.
The 20-year-old, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or as a winger, has scored three goals and given four assists in nine Bundesliga starts and has scored two goals and provided four assists in two UEFA Europa League starts for Bayer so far this season.
