Liverpool launch plan to ‘hijack’ Manchester City’s move for Florian Wirtz as Bayer Leverkusen star weighs up next career step – Paper Round

Liverpool plan to “hijack” Manchester City’s move for Florian Wirtz, claims the Mail.

The Germany international’s representatives were reportedly in England earlier this week for talks with City officials.

But City may also face competition from The Reds and Bayern Munich for the forward’s signature, with the former having also met with Wirtz’s parents.

“Wirtz’s parents met City officials on Tuesday during a flying visit in England – but didn’t speak to Pep Guardiola, with the club’s manager out of the region ahead of the FA Cup final this weekend.

“City have long since hoped to lure Wirtz to the club and are pressing ahead with attempting to secure a deal in light of Kevin De Bruyne’s departure after 10 years at the Etihad Stadium.

“Mail Sport revealed last week that City are awaiting news on discussions between the 22-year-old and his parents, Hans and Karin, over the direction of his career.

“Wirtz is understood to have softened his stance on joining City in recent months and the Premier League appeals to the attacking midfielder.

“But City are not the only club interested, with Bayern Munich also pursuing his signature and Wirtz’s mother of the opinion that he should stay at Bayer Leverkusen for another season. And now, according to Kicker, Liverpool are also keen on signing the £126million-rated star.

“The publication reports that Wirtz’s parents met Liverpool during their trip to England. And with both Hans and Karin making the journey, they also report that Florian himself was too present, taking a private jet to assess the Liverpool area.”

Real Madrid want Liverpool to release Trent Alexander-Arnold from his contract early to allow him to play in the FIFA Club World Cup, according to The Telegraph.

The England international has signalled his intention to leave his boyhood club when his contract expires at the end of June.

But Los Blancos are said to be desperate to have him in their squad before the start of this summer’s tournament, which begins on June 15.

“The Spanish giants have not made a financial offer to Liverpool and simply hope they will relent and allow the right-back to join them for nothing before his contract expires on June 30.

“Real contacted Liverpool last week after Alexander-Arnold announced he would be leaving. It was assumed then it was part of a negotiation to see what kind of nominal fee Liverpool would accept. Instead Real have only requested that Alexander-Arnold can join them early.

“The 26-year-old is signing for Real, on a five-year contract, as a free agent but they want him to be part of the squad that flies out to the United States for the new expanded 32-team tournament that begins on June 15.”

Liverpool will “decide in the coming weeks” whether to pursue a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, reports the Mail.

Various reports on Tuesday suggested Frimpong to The Reds was already a done deal – but that is not the case, suggests the outlet.

“The 24-year-old Dutch international is understood to be extremely keen on the move and has a good relationship with Reds star Ryan Gravenberch plus fellow Netherlands colleagues Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo.

“He has a £29.5million release clause built into his Leverkusen deal after signing a new contract last year and it is believed he has an unofficial gentleman’s agreement that he will leave this summer.

“And for now, that is it.

“Given the release clause, this one could indeed move quickly as and when Liverpool decide to pull the trigger on the deal.

“The club will decide in the coming weeks whether to press forward or not – it is clear they like him and his profile a lot but it is not a done deal by any stretch at this stage.”

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee could join Inter this summer, claims The Sun.

“The Champions League finalists are set to enter the market for a striker to compete with first choice pairing Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

“Manchester United star Zirkzee has emerged as a shock option for a San Siro move after a tough first year in England.

“The 23-year-old joined United from Bologna last summer but has managed just seven goals in all competitions.

“Reports from Corriere dello Sport claim Inter believe they can get Zirzkee on loan with an option or obligation to buy.

“Simone Inzaghi desperately wants to bolster his squad depth in attacking areas.

“The club believe the drop in quality from Martinez and Thuram to back-up options Joaquin Correa and veteran pair Marko Arnautovic and Mehdi Taremi is too large.

“Inter reportedly think that signing another top quality striker will see them have enough to go all the way in every competition.”