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Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso(Image: Bayer Leverkusen)

Xabi Alonso has declared Liverpool target Florian Wirtz "one of the best players in the world" and believes the Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder is approaching an important moment in his career.

The Reds are ready to battle with both Manchester City and Bayern Munich for Wirtz, who has become a hugely influential figure for Leverkusen during their spell of success under the departing Alonso.

Liverpool have reached out to representatives of the 22-year-old, and have informed both the player and his parents of their interest in signing him this summer.

While the expectation is Wirtz will remain in Germany either by staying at Leverkusen or making the switch to Bayern Munich, Arne Slot wants to make a significant play for the £125million-rated Germany international.

READ MORE:Liverpool in the race for new Roberto Firmino with trait that will delight Arne SlotREAD MORE:Florian Wirtz transfer move would say everything about Liverpool's intentions in summer market

And when asked on the speculation surrounding the player, Alonso is convinced Wirtz will make the right decision regards his next career move.

"Flo is one of the top players in the world," said the former Liverpool midfielder.

The people around him, his parents, they want the best for him.

"They are in a very important moment of his career.

It's normal in football that there are rumours, especially with such a special player.

"There were rumours (in the past), there are rumours today and there will be rumours in the future.

You need to deal with them and not take them too seriously."

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Alonso was speaking on Friday morning in a press conference ahead of his final game in charge of Leverkusen at Mainz on Saturday afternoon.

He is expected to shortly be confirmed as Real Madrid boss in place of Carlo Ancelotti, who is leaving to take over the Brazil national team.


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