Bayern Munich 'ahead of Premier League, La Liga clubs in Florian Wirtz race'

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Europe and has established himself as an important first-team player for Leverkusen over the last few seasons.

Since and including his senior debut in May 2020, Wirtz has made a total of 121 appearances for the German club across all competitions, scoring 29 goals and registering 40 assists.

Wirtz has contributed with six goals and 10 assists in 18 games so far this season, helping Xabi Alonso's side win 17 matches in all competitions to top both the Bundesliga and their Europa League group.

The Germany international still has over three years remaining on his contract with Leverkusen, but speculation over a future transfer away from the club is rife amid reported interest from a host of top European teams.

A recent report claims that Liverpool are eyeing a January move for Wirtz, but Leverkusen managing director Simon Rolfes has ruled out the prospect of the midfielder leaving midway through the campaign.

Treble winners Manchester City are understood to have sent scouts to watch Wirtz in the Bundesliga, while the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest.

However, according to Sky Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg, Wirtz is currently leaning towards a future move to Bayern Munich, who are said to have the best chance of luring the youngster away from Leverkusen.

Plettenberg claims that Wirtz has "not given any club the commitment" to join them as he is 100% focused on representing Leverkusen at present, but a direct move abroad is not high on his agenda, seemingly handing Bayern a major boost.

Bayern are said to regard Wirtz as one of their top transfer targets for 2024 and/or 2025, but they may have to fork out between €120m (£103.7m) and €130m (£112.4m) to prise him away from Leverkusen.

The prospect of the perennial Bundesliga winners stepping up their pursuit of Wirtz will likely depend on the futures of fellow attacking midfielders Jamal Musiala and Thomas Muller, who have both been linked with an exit in recent weeks.

Musiala is allegedly the subject of interest from a number of clubs including Man City and Real Madrid, while Muller is due to see his current contract at the Allianz Arena expire in June 2024.

Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is also said to be targeting a new centre-back and defensive midfielder, with the likes of Manchester United's Raphael Varane and Fulham's Joao Palhinha believed to be on their radar.