Liverpool’s record-breaking offer for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has been rejected, according to BILD.

Manager Arne Slot has identified Wirtz as his top transfer target this summer as he aims to strengthen a squad that clinched the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield.

Wirtz was instrumental in Leverkusen’s surprising Bundesliga triumph during the 2023-24 season.

The 22-year-old has long been linked with Bayern Munich, but Manchester City have also shown interest, with Pep Guardiola reportedly seeing Wirtz as the ideal heir to Kevin De Bruyne’s creative role.

In recent weeks, however, Liverpool has emerged as the frontrunner, with Wirtz already agreeing on personal terms for a potential transfer.

The Reds submitted a €130 million (£110 million) bid, but Leverkusen have rejected the offer, setting their price at €150 million (£127 million) for the talented German international.