Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has implored his former team to pull out all the stops to secure the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

The Reds are still in negotiations with the German club for the highly-rated youngster, who has been lighting up the Bundesliga with his performances.

Wirtz has been instrumental in Leverkusen's success, contributing 16 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, helping them secure second place in Germany's top league.

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	Steven Gerrard issues demand to Liverpool chiefs after Florian Wirtz bids rejected	Steven Gerrard makes feelings clear on Liverpool transfer pursuit of Florian Wirtz

His exceptional performances last season were key in propelling the team to their first ever Bundesliga title, as well as clinching the German Cup and reaching the final of the Europa League.

Liverpool now appear to be leading the race to sign the 22 year old, after Arne Slot held successful talks with the player, convincing him that Anfield is the ideal location for his future growth, even ahead of competitors Bayern Munich.

The current Premier League champions must now agree on a transfer fee for Wirtz, with Leverkusen reportedly holding out for a sum of around £125million.

Liverpool have already had two offers turned down, initially proposing £84m with an additional £12.6m in bonuses.

After this was rejected, they increased their offer to a total package of £109.6m, but this too was rebuffed, according to Kicker.

Gerrard has now urged Liverpool to "make it happen", praising Wirtz as a "big talent" with a "huge future in front of him".

In an interview with TNT Sports, the source disclosed: "There are rumours obviously, Florian Wirtz.

He's got a huge future in front of him, so if Liverpool is the place for him, let's hope we can make it happen."

Liverpool have set their sights on Bournemouth's left-back Milos Kerkez and have already secured right-back Jeremie Frimpong as a potential successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Football pundit Gary Neville has given his take on Liverpool's transfer ambitions, suggesting that securing Wirtz and Kerkez could be pivotal for their title aspirations.

Neville commented on the significance of top signings for a title-winning side, stating: "I think when you're talking about winning the league, what is it that improves you?

I mean, the only thing that's going to improve you when you win the league is signing world-class players, or players that have got the potential to be world-class players.

So signing Wirtz is fantastic."

He further analysed Liverpool's strategic moves, saying: "Frimpong and then there's talk of Kerkez as well, deals with their right and left-back situations.