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Florian Wirtz is heading to Liverpool(Image: Oryk Haist/Getty Images)

Liverpool have reaped the benefits of their impressive long-term planning in jumping ahead of Bayern Munich in the queue for Florian Wirtz.

The Reds are in negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen after convincing Wirtz that his future lies on Merseyside and not in Bavaria.

They have submitted an opening bid of €100million (£85m) plus add-ons for the 22-year-old attacking midfielder after receiving the green light from owners Fenway Sports Group.

Leverkusen are understood to be holding out for considerably more and want a deal that would break the Premier League transfer record, set by Chelsea’s £106m move for Enzo Fernandez in 2023.

Wirtz has already flown over to scout for houses in the north west of England and is understood to want to test himself in the Premier League.

That didn’t initially appear to be the case, with Bayern quietly confident that they would prevail in the race for Europe’s brightest attacking talent.

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However, things fell apart after Wirtz and his parents – who represent him in negotiations – met with Bayern chief Max Eberl, club supremo Uli Hoeness and head coach Vincent Kompany.

Will Florian Wirtz be a success at Liverpool?

His interest and Slot’s tactical pitch to Wirtz is understood to have been crucial to the Germany international making his mind up before calling Kompany to let him know.

The blockbuster deal for Wirtz is just one part of Liverpool’s plans for the summer transfer window, with his Leverkusen team-mate Jeremie Frimpong also heading for Anfield in a £29.5m deal, while Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez is also of interest.

Their potential arrivals is clear evidence of the pulling power of winning, with Slot able to convince players following his Premier League title win.

In response, Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen has talked up the club’s credentials after being left wounded by Wirtz’s snub.
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