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Florian Wirtz is keen to join Liverpool, according to former Bayer Leverkusen chief Rudi Voller(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Former Bayer Leverkusen chief Rudi Voller has admitted Florian Wirtz wants to join Liverpool, but warned the Reds that the move could "take a while".

Arne Slot has identified Wirtz as his number one target this summer but the German side are demanding around £126million.

Wirtz is one of Europe's hottest properties after dazzling in the Bundesliga in recent seasons and registered 16 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season as Leverkusen finished second.

Liverpool have already seen two bids rejected for Wirtz by Leverkusen, with talks ongoing, and it is expected that an agreement will eventually be struck after Manchester City and Bayern Munich pulled out of the race for the 22-year-old.

Wirtz teased he was keen to join Liverpool this week after being asked by a reporter if he was "excited" to move to Anfield.

The Germany star simply nodded his head as he added fuel to the fire.

Now Germany legend Voller - who left his role as sporting director of Bayer Leverkusen in 2022 after 17 years - has given insight into the discussions.

READ MORE:Florian Wirtz gives telling response to Liverpool transfer question after Germany clashREAD MORE:Florian Wirtz leaves Liverpool fans all saying the same thing as Bruno Fernandes fumes

Voller, who also took the same role at the club for four years between 1996 and 2000 before a brief stint as manager, believes Wirtz is eager to make the move to Liverpool and feels it will go through eventually.

Florian Wirtz has proven that he is a very, very valuable player.

Not only for Bayer Leverkusen but also for the national team.

That’s why he costs a few euros more."

Voller has warned Liverpool the deal could "take a while" but believes it will go through(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Voller was at the club when Wirtz joined from Koln at the age of 17 and the player has gone on to make 197 appearances for the team, scoring 57 times.

He was a key part of their historic 2023-24 season as they won the Bundesliga for the first time in their history and also lifted the German Cup.

Wirtz started for Germany in their 2-1 Nations League semi-final defeat to Portugal on Wednesday despite ongoing speculation over his future - but boss Julian Nagelsmann insists he has not been distracted by it.

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"Flo will play," Nagelsmann said ahead of the game, which saw Wirtz score Germany's only goal.
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