Bayern Munich release Florian Wirtz statement involving Liverpool

president Herbert Hainer has confirmed that the champions are likely to miss out on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool. Both clubs had been in negotiations for the Bayer Leverkusen talent, only for Arne Slot's side to move ahead in the race in the past 24 hours.

The deal is not yet done, with financial details set to be thrashed out between Liverpool and Leverkusen. The German side value Wirtz at £126million and negotiations are underway to determine how that figure will be met, with the option of paying a portion of that fee over several years or players going in the opposite direction also discussed.

Bayern president Hainer confirmed: "Max Eberl (Bayern director of sport) informed me that Florian Wirtz is probably leaning towards . I can't say how things will transpire with Leverkusen."

claim that after Wirtz gave his agreement to Liverpool, the two clubs began discussions over terms of payment.

Both Leverkusen and Wirtz are keen for a deal to be completed sooner rather than later, while Liverpool could pay a fee and send some of Slot's current squad to Germany to lower the asking price.

Leverkusen are searching for a goalkeeper, a central defender, potentially a striker, and a replacement for Wirtz.

Leverkusen are in dire need of reinforcements as their squad, which won the Bundesliga title a year ago, continues to be picked apart by top European clubs.

is poised to replace at , while Liverpool are and centre-back Jonathan Tah is also set to leave for Bayern on a free transfer.

claim that Wirtz's decision to opt for came as a surprise to Bayern chiefs. They were expecting him to stay in Germany with Leverkusen this summer and begin negotiations over a 2026 transfer.

outfit came to that understanding , who on Friday outlined that any deal would need to be concluded swiftly - before his son went on holiday for the summer.

However, Hans-Joachim Wirtz returned to Bayern on the same day and informed them that the 22-year-old preferred to leave for Liverpool.

Hainer has since confirmed that stage of negotiations and the club are expected to move on to their other targets, with Crystal Palace and Brighton stars Eberechi Eze and Kaoru Mitoma of interest, while contract negotiations could step up for Leroy Sane.