Liverpool recently conducted discussions with the representatives of Bayer Leverkusen’s midfielder Florian Wirtz during an unexpected visit to England earlier this week.

Wirtz’s father was observed coming back from a trip to Blackpool, England, where it was disclosed that talks occurred with Manchester City. They are in competition with Bayern Munich, who are the leading contenders for securing the German international’s contract.

According to kicker, the visit additionally involved talks with Liverpool. The Reds took this chance to express their interest in acquiring the 22-year-old, who was also part of the entourage visiting England.

BILD note the Wirtz party spent an hour in Blackpool, where they met officials from Liverpool, before another short flight to Manchester for talks with Pep Guardiola’s City.

City had contacted Leverkusen to formally request permission to speak with Wirtz. They see the German as a dream replacement for the departing Kevin De Bruyne but will have to dig deep to win the race for his signature, with Leverkusen prepared to demand the best part of €150m (£126.5m).

Further details on Liverpool’s meeting are provided by The Athletic, who suggest the Reds’ approach was more informal and simply a signal of their interest, rather than any concrete transfer talks.

Wirtz’s next destination remains a mystery. Bayern are thought to be confident of getting a deal done and Liverpool may well have been informing Wirtz that, should he choose to leave the Bundesliga, he would be welcomed at Anfield.

Both Guardiola and Liverpool manager Arne Slot are described as huge admirers of Wirtz, who has racked up 16 goals and 15 assists across all competitions for Leverkusen this season.

Leverkusen officials have not yet abandoned all hope of retaining Wirtz, but the midfielder recently confessed he was open to a change of environment in an attempt to further his career.