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Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has confirmed that the Bundesliga champions are likely to miss out on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool.

Both clubs had been in negotiations for the Bayer Leverkusen talent, only for Arne Slot's side to move ahead in the race.

The deal is not yet done, with a fee set to be thrashed out between Liverpool and Leverkusen.



The German side value Wirtz at £126million and negotiations are reportedly underway to determine how that figure will be met, with the option of paying a portion over several years or players going in the opposite direction also discussed.

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Bayern president Herbert Hainer said: “Max Eberl (Bayern director of sport) informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards Liverpool.

I can't say how things will transpire with Leverkusen.”

Sky Sports Germany claim that after Wirtz gave his agreement to Liverpool, the two clubs began discussions over terms of payment.

Both Leverkusen and Wirtz are keen for a deal to be completed sooner rather than later, while Liverpool could pay a fee and send some of Slot's current squad to Germany to lower the asking price.

Leverkusen are searching for a goalkeeper, a central defender, potentially a striker, and a replacement for Wirtz.

Leverkusen are in dire need of reinforcements as their squad, which won the Bundesliga title a year ago, continues to be picked apart by top European clubs.

Xabi Alonso is poised to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, while Liverpool are on the verge of signing wing-back Jeremie Frimpong and centre-back Jonathan Tah is also set to leave for Bayern on a free transfer.

Bild claim that Wirtz's decision to opt for Liverpool came as a surprise to Bayern chiefs, who were expecting him to stay in Germany with Leverkusen this summer and negotiations would begin over a 2026 transfer.

Vincent Kompany's outfit came to that understanding after several meetings with the player's father, who on Friday outlined that any deal would need to be concluded swiftly - before his son went on holiday for the summer.

However, Hans-Joachim Wirtz returned to Bayern on the same day and informed them that the 22-year-old's preference was to leave for Liverpool.

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