Florian Wirtz is closing in on a move to Liverpool, with the Bayer Leverkusen star having decided that Anfield is his next destination, despite Real Madrid's interest

Germany's Rhineland clubs - namely Leverkusen, Koln and Borussia Monchengladbach - were all reported to have a gentleman's agreement not to 'steal' one another's youth talent, dating back to 2001, when Koln tracked and signed Leverkusen's then-12-year-old starlet Marco Quotschalla with the lure of an eight-year contract.

Florian Wirtz has one clear shirt number alternative should he complete a summer transfer to Liverpool. The Germany international is subject of interest from the Premier League champions, though they have seen two bids rejected by Bayer Leverkusen - including a club-record £109m offer.