Liverpool are persisting in their efforts to secure a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for top transfer target Florian Wirtz, as details of discussions with Lyon's Rayan Cherki come to light.

The Reds remain resolute in their quest to negotiate a deal for attacking midfielder Wirtz, despite having a second offer of £109million (€130m) turned down by Leverkusen on Friday, just before the transfer window officially opened on Sunday.

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

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Despite rumours that a Liverpool player could be used as part of the deal - with Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah being the most frequently mentioned names - the Liverpool Echo claim this has not been part of the negotiations so far.

Liverpool would rather avoid a protracted transfer saga with the pursuit of Wirtz - who is currently on international duty with Germany preparing for their UEFA Nations League knockout games - having picked up pace over the last two weeks.

While the 22-year-old has been a long-term priority for the Reds, with a clearly defined role in the team having been outlined 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.

Liverpool are keen to strengthen their attacking midfield options this summer, and have been exploring various alternatives.

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

This meeting was arranged before Liverpool intensified their pursuit of Wirtz ahead of their Premier League finale against Crystal Palace, and both the club and Slot were committed to honouring the arrangement.

However, Wirtz is the only attacking midfielder Liverpool have made an offer for, with Cherki being considered as one of several backup options if the Leverkusen player did not respond positively to the Reds' approach.

Manchester City are now seen as the favourites to sign Cherki after conceding defeat in their attempt to sign Wirtz.


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