Liverpool have already offered a transfer response to Florian Wirtz in the £127m battle with Real Madrid

Bayer Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has already dismissed speculation that Liverpool-linked Florian Wirtz will leave this summer.

Spanish news outlet Marca have claimed that the Reds could suffer a setback in their pursuit of the highly-rated German sensation as Real Madrid plan a move for the playmaker. According to a report, the 21-year-old has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place with Carlo Ancelotti’s side to sign for the Champions League holders within 12 months.

It has been suggested that a deal for Wirtz could be worth around £127m, a move which would see the Reds seemingly lose out on a player they are said to be interested in.

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Los Blancos have emerged as candidates to sign Wirtz after he enjoyed a phenomenal season under Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso. Leverkusen won their first Bundesliga crown, going unbeaten throughout the German campaign, adding the German Cup to their collection as Atalanta denied them the treble in the Europa League final.

Wirtz suffered a season-ending knee injury in March 2022 but recovered to become the Bundesliga’s player of the season as Leverkusen ended Bayern Munich’s stronghold on the German summit.

Leverkusen boss Rolfes has already ruled out a sale this summer for Wirtz, who has three years left on his current contract in North Rhine-Westphalia.

“He will stay. His father and agent have said it before. He has a contract here and he is very happy,” he said, speaking to Sky Sports. “This is the right place for him to develop as a player and a person. His future is bright, that’s for sure.

“He is such a good player and shows a great desire to win and work. Not normally the attributes of a number 10, but he combines the talent with the work rate of a six or defensive player, along with producing special magical moments.”