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Florian Wirtz has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool for the past week, with the Reds heating up their pursuit for the attacking midfielder.

The Bayer Leverkusen superstar is regarded as one of the best young players in Europe as Liverpool close in on a club-record move for Wirtz, with the Reds also set to sign Jeremie Frimpong from the Bundesliga giants.

Amidst all the excitement from supporters on the prospect of signing the 22-year-old Germany international, the Premier League champions have yet to reach a full agreement to sign Wirtz, with Liverpool’s first offer to Leverkusen seemingly below what the German side wants for their star talent.

And as a result, Real Madrid could be about to spoil the party for Liverpool in their bid to pull off one of the biggest signings of the summer in Wirtz.

READ MORE: Bayer Leverkusen director speaks out to confirm Liverpool and Florian Wirtz update as Erik ten Hag reacts

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According to AS, Los Blancos have not thrown in the towel just yet in trying to sign Wirtz, with the Spanish giants keeping a close eye on Liverpool’s pursuit of the Germany international with the hope of sensing an opportunity to pounce for the youngster.

As per the report, Xabi Alonso’s recent announcement as Madrid’s new manager could play into the Spanish side’s favour, with the former Liverpool midfielder a key reason why Wirtz has exploded into the superstar he now is after their time together at Leverkusen.

Whilst Wirtz is still expected to sign for Liverpool, the lurking shadow of Madrid can always play havoc with any club and player, with the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners still regarded as the dream destination for the best in the business.

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And for Liverpool, Madrid not giving up hope on signing Wirtz should serve as a good reminder that a deal to bring the 22-year-old to Anfield must be wrapped up as soon as possible, even if it means paying over the odds with Leverkusen for the youngster.

Liverpool are clearly ready to be ambitious this summer when it comes to making new signings, with the Reds setting their stall out early and pushing hard for top targets in Frimpong and Wirtz before the market has even officially opened.

With Madrid slowly emerging back into the picture for Wirtz, though, Liverpool can’t afford to waste a single second procrastinating for the Leverkusen talisman, who could have his head turned to reunite with Alonso in Spain if Los Blancos are crafty enough.

Indeed, Liverpool have been burned by Madrid in the past multiple times, and losing Wirtz at this stage will be the biggest sting of them all given how much progress the Reds have made in trying to bring the attacking midfielder to England.