(0:38)Open Extended ReactionsLiverpool are leading the race to sign Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, sources have told ESPN. Wirtz had been expected to remain in his homeland next season, either staying put at Leverkusen or joining Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich. However, it is now understood that Liverpool are the frontrunners to land his signature should he decide to leave the BayArena this summer. Bayern had been confident they would be able to sign Wirtz from Leverkusen, either this summer or in 2026. Liverpool have said they are not prepared to pay that and feel €100m plus bonuses would be the right value for the midfielder, sources told ESPN.