Florian Wirtz gave a subtle nod in response to whether he was excited to be joining Liverpool.

A goal in Germany’s Nations League semi-final against Portugal was not enough to help his side win, but he later gave the biggest indication yet that his move to the Premier League champions is on.

Wirtz emerged in the tunnel area after the game alongside his team-mates.



It was the first real confirmation that Wirtz is indeed close to joining the Reds, having been the subject of intense speculation for several months.

Florian Wirtz clashes with Bruno Fernandes in Germany’s Nations League loss to Portugal	Germany boss lifts lid on Florian Wirtz mindset as Liverpool transfer talks continue	Florian Wirtz transfer latest: Liverpool still £10m short of Bayer Leverkusen's asking price for Germany star as Bundesliga club hold out for British-record fee

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A Germany victory might have prompted a slightly more evocative response.

Germany will play a third-place play-off against the losers of tonight's other semi-final between Spain and France, but Wirtz will then be free to complete his highly-anticipated transfer.

Liverpool are widely understood to be close to concluding a a nine-figure deal for the playmaker, who has shone in the Bundesliga since making his debut aged 17.

His arrival is expected to be part of a busy summer of activity at Anfield, despite Arne Slot leading the club to the Premier League title in his first season.

Jeremie Frimpong, Wirtz's team-mate at Leverkusen, has already been confirmed in a deal reported to be worth a little under £30m.

With a centre-forward also high on the agenda, a new-look Liverpool team could line up on the opening day of the Premier League season in August.