Liverpool continue to push for Wirtz, Slot speaks to Cherki in France | OneFootball

Liverpool have submitted a second bid for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, according to journalist David Ornstein.

The clubs have not reached an agreement, but negotiations are ongoing with growing optimism that a deal for the 22-year-old can be finalised.

Liverpool’s latest offer, which could rise to a club-record €130 million (£109m), includes guaranteed fees and performance-related add-ons.

Despite reported interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Liverpool are the only club to have formally bid for the attacking midfielder.

The Reds are increasingly confident of completing the signing of the German international in the coming days.

However, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been active on other fronts. He interrupted his post-season break to fly to France for face-to-face talks with Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.

The 21-year-old is a potential alternative or complementary piece to Wirtz. Liverpool were looking at Cherki before intensifying their push for Wirtz.

Liverpool are focused on Wirtz, but are conducting due diligence on other targets amid the uncertainties of the transfer market.

Man City cooled their interest in Wirtz due to his price tag. They are now pursuing Cherki, who is entering the final year of his contract at Lyon.

Contrary to earlier claims, there is no €22.5 million release clause in his deal, and Lyon want a significantly higher fee.

Liverpool are surprisingly tracking attacking midfielders when the engine room is also crying out for some steel.

The Merseysiders need a holding midfielder to anchor proceedings.

Even though Ryan Gravenberch excelled this season, he is best utilised further forward, and Liverpool must bring in a natural holding midfielder.

There has been no movement on that front since Liverpool missed out on Martin Zubimendi, but it is a position they need to bolster.