Liverpool’s £109m offer for Florian Wirtz ‘is REJECTED’ – but new report reveals why even his club Bayer Leverkusen expect deal WILL be done

Liverpool‘s club-record bid for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has been rejected, reports from Germany claim.

Wirtz has been earmarked as the Reds’ No 1 target this summer, as Arne Slot looks to build on the side that delivered him a Premier League title in his first season on Merseyside.

The 22-year-old was key to Leverkusen’s unlikely Bundesliga triumph in 2023-24 and has long been linked with a move to Bavarian giants Bayern Munich.

Manchester City have also been tracking Wirtz, with Pep Guardiola reportedly viewing him as the perfect successor to Kevin De Bruyne as the club’s primary creative outlet.

In recent weeks, however, Anfield has emerged as the most likely destination for the Germany international – with Wirtz having already agreed personal terms for a move.

Liverpool further demonstrated their desire to complete the deal by tabling a bid worth €130milion (£109m).

Arne Slot is prepared to make the 22-year-old the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history

But Leverkusen are said to be holding out for their £127m valuation before a deal can be struck 

However, according to a report from Bild, the offer has been rejected with Leverkusen reportedly determined to secure a €150m (£127m) for their prized asset.

But the report further claims that the shortfall could be made up with performance-related bonuses and stresses the deal is not considered to be in jeopardy, with Leverkusen still expecting Wirtz to leave.

Another suggestion made in recent days is that Liverpool could offer a player to serve as a makeweight in negotiations, with Jarrell Quansah and Harvey Elliott named as potential candidates.

Former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was appointed Leverkusen’s new head coach last week after Xabi Alonso departed to take charge of Real Madrid.

Ten Hag has been out of work since being sacked by United in October but has wasted little time in looking to the Premier League to reshape his new squad.

On Sunday, the Bundesliga side closed in on the signing of goalkeeper Mark Flekken from Brentford.

With their No 1 departing, Brentford are set to sign Liverpool academy graduate Caoimhin Kelleher in a deal worth £18m.