Bayern Munich chief Max Eberl has insisted that Florian Wirtz is "free" to visit any city he chooses following reports that the Bayer Leverkusen star met with interested parties.
The Bavarians reclaimed their Bundesliga crown on May 4 when dethroned champions Leverkusen were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Freiburg.
Bayern have long been credited with an interest in a number of players from Xabi Alonso's side, including attacker Wirtz, with many reports suggesting that they were heavy favourites to land the playmaker.
However, it has been claimed that Wirtz and his representatives flew to England this past week to meet with clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City.
Bayern chief Eberl has since addressed the speculation surrounding the 22-year-old, responding calmly to suggestions they may miss out on his signature, telling journalists: "If Florian Wirtz and his family made this trip, they'll have their reasons. It's not our place to comment on that. Florian Wirtz is free to visit Liverpool, Manchester, Madrid or whatever with his family and friends."
Liverpool look certain to reinforce significantly in attack considering the futures of forwards Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are in doubt.
© Imago
Would Wirtz suit Liverpool?
Liverpool will need to replace the creativity of departing right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, and signing Wirtz would ensure that the club continue to create chances given he has provided at least 10 Bundesliga assists in three of his last four seasons.
The Leverkusen star is also exceptional out of possession, with the attacker having won the third most duels of any player in the German top flight.
It should be noted that he is a willing runner without the ball, and his ability to stretch play could benefit talisman Mohamed Salah, who is at his best when he is surrounded by dynamic forwards.
Wirtz has experience operating from the left and moving infield into more central zones, so perhaps he could start out wide before moving into an attacking midfield role alongside Dominik Szoboszlai.
However, the Reds will likely have to part with significantly in excess of £100m if they are to secure the attacker's services, a sum that could impact their transfer plans in other areas of the pitch.
Liverpool would be better positioned to sign Wirtz if they were able to offload the likes of Nunez and Diaz, who have both been linked with transfers to the Saudi Pro League.
Lewis Nolan
