Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Florian Wirtz has been the subject of several bids - but Liverpool are yet to strike an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen(Image: Getty Images)

Former Germany boss Joachim Low felt that Xabi Alonso made Real Madrid the favourites to sign Florian Wirtz if he did choose to leave Bayer Leverkusen - but Liverpool are the team leading the race for his signature.

The German playmaker has been heavily linked with the exit door at the BayArena as a number of Europe's biggest clubs circle.

But despite his relationship with Wirtz, Liverpool remain on the brink of his transfer.

The ex-Germany head coach told Bild: "I just thought he’d be more likely to choose Real Madrid if he went abroad.

That’s very important for a young player.

READ MORE:Ex-Leverkusen chief spills beans on Florian Wirtz transfer with warning to LiverpoolREAD MORE:Milos Kerkez to Liverpool: Manager issues statement as transfer moves step closer

"Nevertheless, I have no concerns that Wirtz will prevail – no matter where he would have gone.

They also claimed the German Cup with their playmaker scoring 34 times across the last two seasons, but The Black and Reds have seen a number of their major names depart this summer - Jeremie Frimpong among them.

Low claimed that a switch to Bayern "would have been a good fit" for Wirtz but the Bavarians don't look set to battle for the 22-year-old - leaving Liverpool free to pursue him should they eventually agree on a price with Leverkusen, who are holding out for £126m before they agree to his exit.

Florian Wirtz excelled under former boss Xabi Alonso(Image: Jorg Schu?ler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)

The former Germany boss claimed: "Liverpool is a real statement because moving to the Premier League also involves a lot of adaptation and that starts with the rhythm of the game, but Florian Wirtz has no upper limit, he’s definitely ready for the next step.

We’ve had that feeling for a long time."

Ex-Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann praised Wirtz for sticking with his decision to join the Premier League champions, despite interest from elsewhere.

"Florian Wirtz has made a decision.

That's why I think Wirtz has made a very good decision."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content.