Florian Wirtz wants to join Liverpool but his transfer from Bayer Leverkusen could take ‘a while’, according to Germany’s sporting director Rudi Voller.

Liverpool have been unable to reach an agreement with Leverkusen over a deal for the 22-year-old, who finished the season with 15 goals and 16 assists in all competitions.

The Premier League champions have seen their £109 million offer rejected, with Leverkusen holding out for a deal in excess of £120m.

Bayern Munich and Manchester City have both expressed a strong interest in signing Wirtz but Voller, who now works for Germany’s Football Association (DFB), claims the midfielder is keen on a move to Arne Slot’s side.

‘It’s no secret that he’d like to go to Liverpool. I know the clubs are negotiating with each other,’ Voller, who has had two stints as Leverkusen’s sporting director, told DAZN.

Voller added: ‘It’s often the case that it takes a while until an agreement is finally reached.

‘Of course, in the end, you have the feeling it will go through.

‘Florian Wirtz has proven that he is a very, very valuable player. Not only for Bayer Leverkusen but also for the national team. That’s why he costs a few euros more.’

Speaking to ZDF, former Arsenal and Germany defender Per Mertescker described Liverpool’s push to sign Wirtz as a ‘big deal’.

‘Everyone on the island is keen on one of Germany’s greatest talents,’ Mertescker said.

‘Liverpool are really gearing up again, and getting him is a big deal.’

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Marcus Rashford’s hopes of completing a ‘dream’ move to Barcelona have been boosted after the La Liga giants were rebuffed by Liverpool over a deal for Luis Diaz.

Barca chief Deco confirmed last month the club were interested in signing Diaz and Rashford, who has returned to Manchester United following his loan spell at Aston Villa.

Diaz enjoyed his best season to date at Anfield, scoring 17 goals in all competitions to help Liverpool win the Premier League title.

His form attracted the attention of Barcelona but the Spanish club were immediately rebuffed when they approached Liverpool over a deal.

The Athletic say Barca made contact with Liverpool earlier this week and it was made clear the Colombia international was not for sale.

Diaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto in 2022, is contracted to the Merseyside club for another two years.

The 28-year-old is not expected to sign another deal at Liverpool but the bosses at Anfield have nevertheless rejected the chance to sell him this summer.

Barcelona could revive their interest in wantaway Manchester United forward Rashford after being turned down by Liverpool.

Rashford’s representatives held positive talks with the La Liga winners last month before Barca began focusing on a deal for Diaz.

The Nou Camp is believed to be Rashford’s ‘dream’ destination this summer after he spent an encouraging loan spell at Aston Villa.

Villa could yet look to bring Rashford back to the club – Unai Emery repeatedly praised the 27-year-old during his loan stint – but the club are in a difficult financial position after failing to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the season.

Rashford has also attracted interest from other clubs in Europe but will prioritise a move to Barcelona if a move to Spain becomes a genuine option.

Joining Barca would be an ‘incredible move’ for Rashford, according to former Premier League defender Richard Dunne.

‘It clearly hasn’t worked out for Marcus Rashford, and it’s most likely he’ll be out the door permanently now,’ he told William Hill.

‘There’s talk of him going to Barcelona, which would be incredible for him. But you can go to a new club, but if you’re not performing, it’s not going to last.

‘Rashford needs to go and enjoy his football again, which he showed glimpses of doing at Aston Villa.

‘He needs to get involved, get goals and assists, and play like someone who deserves to be at a big club – wherever that may be.’

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