Bayer Leverkusen have rejected Liverpool's £109million bid for Florian Wirtz.

The Bundesliga club are believed to be still demanding £126m, which would smash the British transfer record.

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Leverkusen star Wirtz is Liverpool's number one target this summerCredit: Getty

That is currently held by Chelsea who paid around £115m for Moises Caicedo in 2023.

Liverpool could be forced pay biggest ever British transfer fee as Florian Wirtz offer rejected	Report: Liverpool set to 'demolish' British transfer record as staggering Florian Wirtz transfer fee emerges	Liverpool submit massive offer for Florian Wirtz and deal could smash British transfer record

The Reds recently launched the £109m offer to bring the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker to Anfield.

Personal terms have already been agreed between both parties, with the 22-year-old only having eyes on a switch to Merseyside.

The Germany international's preference has seen Manchester City and Bayern Munich accept defeat in their pursuit, with only Liverpool at the table to secure his services.

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However, German publication Bild report the latest offer to sign the player is not be enough to tempt the Bundesliga giants into a sale.

While there is a willingness from Leverkusen to sell Wirtz early in the window, they would be open for two Liverpool stars to be included in any future offer.

And the two that have been identified are attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott, as well as centre-back Jarell Quansah.

Both men have spent their Liverpool careers so far as back-ups, with Elliott making just 18 Premier League appearances for the champions in the 2024/25 season - starting just twice in the top-flight.

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As for academy graduate Quansah, he mustered up just 13 outings in the top-flight, with four of his appearances coming in Arne Slot's starting XI.

talkSPORT's chief football correspondent Alex Crook provided an update on Liverpool's quest to sign Wirtz on The Sports Breakfast show on Monday morning.

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Any future deal could see Elliott head in the opposite directionCredit: Getty

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Quansah has struggled for regular minutes due to the formidable partnership between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima KonateCredit: Getty

He said: "Liverpool have made their initial offer, we understand in excess of £109m.

"It is not quite a British record fee, which is what Leverkusen were asking for.

"When Bayern Munich were at the negotiating table, the price was £126m.

"The interesting element here is the potential of Liverpool players heading in the opposite direction.

"Bayer Leverkusen are big fans of Harvey Elliott in particular, who is a player Liverpool would be willing to sell for the right price this summer.

"The other man who could move in the opposite direction is Jarell Quansah.

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Wirtz is regarded as one of the top playmakers in world football

"Liverpool trying to get their business done early."

The Reds have already wrapped up the signature of Wirtz's ex-Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong after activating his £29.5m release clause.

Slot's side moved fast to sign the Dutch full-back after losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, they are also readying a move for Bournemouth's £45m-rated left-back Milos Kerkez.

And they could also make a move for Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon should they part ways with Luis Diaz this summer to either Barcelona or Al Nassr.

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Slot is looking to assemble a Liverpool squad capable of retaining the Premier League title for the first timeCredit: Getty

While Diaz is facing an uncertain future, back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is on his way out after 67 appearances spread across six campaigns.

talkSPORT understands that Brentford have agreed an £18m deal to sign him as a replacement for the departing Mark Flekken, who is on his way to Leverkusen.


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