Real Madrid transfer news: Los Blancos 'step up pursuit' of £109m-rated Germany superstar

Wirtz has again been in strong form for Leverkusen during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring seven goals and registering one assist in 15 appearances in all competitions, including three goals in three Champions League matches.

The 21-year-old had an outstanding 2023-24 season for Xabi Alonso's side, scoring 18 goals and registering 20 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions, helping his club to win the Bundesliga, German Cup and German Super Cup.

Meanwhile, in total, he has scored 48 goals and registered 51 assists in 167 matches for Leverkusen since breaking into the first team in 2020.

Wirtz has a contract with Alonso's team until June 2027, but he is being heavily linked with an exit next year, and a number of clubs are said to be keen to sign the Germany international.

Real Madrid 'step up pursuit of Wirtz'

However, Real Madrid are believed to be at the head of the queue for the playmaker, with the club said to have identified him as a priority target during next summer's transfer window.

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, discussions between Real Madrid chiefs and Wirtz's camp have already taken place, and Manchester City have been told that Los Blancos are pushing for his signature.

Man City are also viewed as leading contenders for Wirtz, as the Premier League champions are facing the possibility of having to replace the inspirational Kevin De Bruyne next summer.

Real Madrid have allegedly not yet started negotiations with Leverkusen, with the German outfit still hopeful that they could convince him to sign a new contract at BayArena.

Leverkusen 'would rather sell Wirtz to Real Madrid'

Plettenberg claims that Leverkusen would prefer to sell Wirtz, who is valued at €130m (£109m) by transfermarkt, to Real Madrid if he were to leave, as they want to prevent from making the move to Bayern Munich at all costs.

Manchester United are also said to be admirers of the German, but the 20-time English champions are likely to have other priorities during next summer's transfer window.

Leverkusen are believed to value Wirtz in the region of €150m (£126.3m), but it is likely that Real Madrid will look to negotiate that price down, especially considering that the forward will only have two years to run on his contract next summer.