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Germany international and Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Liverpool are continuing their attempts to thrash out a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for number one transfer target Florian Wirtz as details of talks with Lyon's Rayan Cherki emerged.

The Reds remain determined to negotiate an agreement for attacking midfielder Wirtz having had a second bid worth €130million (£109m) rejected by Leverkusen on Friday ahead of the transfer window officially opening on Sunday.

Leverkusen are holding out for €150m (£125m) for a player who has rejected advances from Bayern Munich and Manchester City and wants a move to Anfield.

Although there have been claims a Liverpool player could be used as a makeweight in the deal - Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah the most prominent names featured - that is understood to have not been on the negotiating table up to now.

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Liverpool would prefer to avoid a drawn-out transfer saga with the pursuit of Wirtz - who is currently on international duty with Germany preparing for their UEFA Nations League knockout games - having accelerated suddenly during the last fortnight.

While the 22-year-old has been a long-term priority for the Reds, with a clearly defined role in the team having been mapped out during a meeting with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, the initial expectation from all interested parties was that Wirtz would stay in the Bundesliga next season, either by remaining at Leverkusen or moving to Bayern Munich.

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With Liverpool determined to bolster their options in the number 10 position this summer, the Reds have considered a number of alternatives as part of their due diligence - common practice in the transfer market.

And The Athletic reported on Tuesday morning that a meeting had taken place last week between Slot and 21-year-old France under-21 international Cherki.

The ECHO understands this had been scheduled before the pursuit of Wirtz ramped up considerably ahead of Liverpool's Premier League finale at home to Crystal Palace, and both the club and Slot wanted to honour the arrangement.

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Wirtz, though, is the only attacking midfielder for whom Liverpool have tabled an offer, with Cherki one of a number of backup options had the Leverkusen player not been receptive to the approach from the Reds.

Manchester City are now regarded front-runners to sign Cherki having admitted defeat in their attempt to sign Wirtz.


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