Liverpool line up €80m Wirtz alternative after Ornstein update

Liverpool are interested in Eberechi Eze amid uncertainty over whether their pursuit of Florian Wirtz will end in success.

The Reds are one of two clubs heavily pushing for the signature of the Bayer Leverkusen superstar. Man City dropped out of the race on Monday, but Liverpool and Bayern Munich remain firmly in the race.

The reigning Bundesliga champions are confident that they will ultimately come out on top as they have already managed to agree personal terms with Wirtz, while they also believe that the player wants to stay in Germany for the time being.

However, there is an awareness that Bayern’s confidence is built on a shaky foundation. Wirtz does not have a release clause, so the Munich side will have to negotiate with Leverkusen, who have no intention of selling their best player to their rivals.

This has emboldened Liverpool to try their luck with an approach, and Wirtz even travelled to Merseyside last week for talks with representatives of the Anfield outfit. However, according to transfer insider David Ornstein, the Reds are still waiting for an indication from Wirtz that a move is possible.

Liverpool line up Eze as Plan B

Wirtz has yet to make a decision on whether he is willing to head abroad this summer, which means that Liverpool are left in limbo as to their chances of signing him.

“Liverpool do have an interest in Florian Wirtz,” Orstein said on NBC. “But there’s no guarantee this will happen; let’s see if he’s going to leave Bayer Leverkusen at all.”

“Let’s see if he wants to leave Germany – if he does, then Liverpool are going to make a push for him. He’s a player they’ve liked for a long time, but Bayern Munich are possibly the favourites to sign him.”

With a move for Wirtz not set in stone yet, Liverpool are looking at alternative options to add creativity to their side. Rayan Cherki has been a target for months, but CaughtOffside now also adds Eberechi Eze to the list of potential solutions.

The Crystal Palace star has an €83 million release clause, so he would be significantly cheaper than Wirtz. However, the Reds have yet to make contact with the FA Cup winner, and other Premier League sides are also said to be keen on him.

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