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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has hailed Liverpool

Rio Ferdinand has praised Liverpool for the ability to sell the club to their key transfer targets.

And the former Manchester United star has lauded the champions for outflanking rivals to land Florian Wirtz.

Wirtz had been wanted by both Manchester City and Bayern Munich and was subjected to late interest from Real Madrid, who are now coached by the Germany star's former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, but the attacking midfielder was sold on the Reds' charm offensive.

After informing all parties of his decision to join Liverpool last month, the Reds stepped up talks with Leverkusen and eventually struck a club-record agreement of £100m with an additional £16m in success-based add-ons.

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That deal came after the £29m release clause of Jeremie Frimpong was triggered at the beginning of June and a £40m deal with Bournemouth for Milos Kerkez was also struck this week, with the left-back joining on a five-year deal on Thursday.

Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel, has highlighted Liverpool's ability to see off their competitors as a reason for why they should once more be considered one of the favourites to retain win the Premier League title again.

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"I think what’s not being talked about enough is Liverpool’s ability to go and get a player that City were after, Bayern Munich were after and reportedly Real Madrid were also after," Ferdinand said.

"And Liverpool have come out on top in that.

"I can see it so clearly at the club right now, I can see their whole process and their vision – it’s so clear – and as a player, that’s what you want when you walk into the club and they’re pitching the project to you.

"I can imagine Wirtz coming out of that meeting with (Arne) Slot and saying: ‘Don’t take any calls from any of those other clubs, I’m going here'."

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Ferdinand added: "It’s only going to be between Liverpool and Man City next season.
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