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Liverpool face competition from Man City and Bayern Munich for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.(Image: Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Liverpool are outsiders to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz with Bayern Munich and Manchester City ahead of them in the race, according to bookmakers.

The Reds are preparing to battle for the in-demand Germany international ahead of a busy summer for Arne Slot's side.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a surprise target for Liverpool as they plot their succession plan following their Premier League title success.



Slot's side are preparing to trigger Jeremie Frimpong's £30million release and contact the Bundesliga title-challengers to land their first signing of the summer.

Wirtz has emerged as a target for the Reds as part of their squad restructuring in a bid to defend their top-flight crown, after a record-levelling 20th domestic title.

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The representatives of the Germany international were contacted by Anfield chiefs and informed about the competition from their European rivals.

Reports in Germany are intensifying with the ongoing speculation bubbling into a saga ahead of a busy summer transfer window.

Betfair have compiled the odds for Wirtz's next club and have charted Liverpool as the third favourites with both Bayern and City ahead of them in the standings.

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Vincent Kompany's side returned to the summit of German football, beating Leverkusen in the process, and they're evens favourites to secure his signature.

City aren't too far behind as they've been priced at 2/1 for his services while Liverpool are 5/2 on to sign him.

Chelsea and Real Madrid are also in the list at 10/1 and 12/1 respectively.

Betfair Spokesperson, Sam Rosbottom said: "Florian Wirtz has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Man City and Liverpool rumoured to be in talks with the German attacking midfielder.

"However, German champions Bayern Munich are apparently leading the race to sign the reported £125m man according to the betting market, with Vincent Kompany's side the even money favourites to sign him.

"Man City are second favourites at 2/1, closely followed by Liverpool at 5/2."

The ECHO understands Liverpool also made known their interest to the 22-year-old and his parents ahead of his next major career decision.

On Friday, BILD's head of football, Christian Falk, claimed that Liverpool are ahead of Manchester City in the race to sign him, but Bayern are optimistic that they can land him.

“We have already reported that Manchester City have made an offer for the German," he told CaughtOffside.

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"Apparently, however, there has also been a meeting with Liverpool FC.

As things stand, Liverpool are further ahead than Man City in the poker.

"But, the truth is: FC Bayern are still optimistic that they will get their dream player.

"Either this summer or in 2026, as his contract runs until 2027."


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