Liverpool have £113 million bid rejected as Bayer Leverkusen set price for Florian Wirtz: Reports

Bayer Leverkusen have allegedly rejected an offer of close to £113 million for Florian Wirtz from Premier League champions Liverpool. 

Over the last couple of weeks, the Reds have reportedly emerged as the front-runners in the transfer race to sign Wirtz over Manchester City and Bayern Munich. They have already roped in full-back Jeremie Frimpong and goalkeeper Armin Pecsi so far this summer. 

Now, according to The Times, Bayer Leverkusen have turned down a bid of £113 million, including £100 million up front, from Arne Slot's outfit. They have informed the Merseyside outfit that they value the German at £126 million. Erik ten Hag's side expect another bid from Liverpool soon. 

Wirtz, who is reportedly keen to move to the Premier League, relished an excellent season in the 2024-25 campaign. The 22-year-old bagged 16 goals and registered 15 assists in 45 appearances across competitions for Leverkusen last term.

The 30-cap Germany international has helped Leverkusen win a total of three trophies so far. He helped his team win a historic domestic double in the 2023-24 season and also guided them to the DFL-Supercup in the 2024-25 campaign.

Pundit claims 29-year-old Premier League star is good enough to start for Liverpool

Speaking to Metro, former Newcastle United star Shay Given stated that Manchester City star Jack Grealish could start for Liverpool. He said:

"I think Jack has been a generational talent, I really do. I think Jack can play for every single team in the country. He is only 29, he still has three or four brilliant years ahead of him at the top. Having not played recently, he will be really hungry to go out there and show how good he is."

Given, who also played for Manchester City and Aston Villa, continued:

"I wouldn't want to name clubs but at the same time I think he walks into any team in the country, that even includes Liverpool or Chelsea or anyone. I think he just needs to be given a batch of games to show how good he is back in that central position and not out wide."

Opining on Grealish's future, the Republic of Ireland legend remarked:

"We have to see what happens, maybe it is time to try and find a new opportunity elsewhere. Maybe on a loan deal somewhere, go do well and maybe come back to City. So it might not be in the end of the road, I don't know. But what I do know is Jack just wants to get back to playing football again. That's the most important thing."

Grealish, 29, contributed three goals and five assists in 32 total matches, including just 16 starts, for the Pep Guardiola-coached outfit last term.

The ex-Aston Villa midfielder's current contract will expire in June 2027.