Liverpool target £95m Firmino successor as they join transfer battle with Man Utd – and they could have secret weapon

LIVERPOOL have joined the race for Germany international Florian Wirtz.

The Reds reportedly see the £95million-rated playmaker as a successor for Roberto Firmino.

ReutersLiverpool see Florian Wirtz as a successor to Roberto Firmino[/caption]

Firmino left Anfield on a free transfer in the summer after eight years on Merseyside.

According to Teamtalk, Jurgen Klopp has identified Wirtz as his preferred replacement for the Brazilian.

The report claims the Liverpool boss wants to play the 20-year-old as a false nine.

Wirtz has scored six goals and provided 10 assists for Bayer Leverkusen already this season.

In a boost to Liverpool’s hopes of signing him, Leverkusen have resigned themselves to losing the youngster.

Sky in Germany report the club hope he will stay for one more season but have accepted he will leave before the end of summer 2025.

Klopp could also have a secret weapon in the form of Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.

The former Liverpool midfielder has guided his side to an unbeaten start to the season, winning 11 of their 12 league matches.

Wirtz is expected to leave Leverkusen by the end of next seasonRex

Alonso could steer Wirtz towards a move to Anfield, with the likes of Manchester United also scouting him in recent weeks.

The Spaniard spent five years with Liverpool as a player, making 210 appearances and winning the Champions League and FA Cup.