Liverpool have made an improved offer totalling €130m for Bayer Leverkusen forward Florian Wirtz, it's understood.
The Reds' second bid for the Germany international, which includes add-ons, would make him the most expensive signing in the club's history if it is accepted by Leverkusen.
Wirtz was a star performer in Leverkusen's domestic league and cup triumph in the 2023-24 season and also shone for Germany in last summer's Euros.
The 22-year-old featured in 31 Bundesliga matches in the season just ended, scoring 10 goals.
The Reds have completed the signing of one Leverkusen player in the shape of Jeremie Frimpong.
Frimpong was officially announced on Friday after the Reds triggered his €35m release clause and the wing-back completed his medical tests.
The Dutch defender progressed through Manchester City's academy before he joined Celtic in 2019.
It was at Leverkusen where Frimpong caught the eye worldwide and helped the Bundesliga outfit clinch a league and cup double in 2024.
After the 24-year-old put pen to paper on a long-term contract, he told Liverpoolfc.com: "It went quite easy. Liverpool came and said they had interest, and obviously for me it was a no-brainer.
"For me, it was like, 'Whatever you guys do, just get this done’, [speaking to] my agents: ‘Just get this done.’
"Liverpool fans, I’m going to give my all, my energy, my work-rate and hopefully we can win together, we celebrate together, get everything together.
"I’m just excited to be here. Thank you guys for accepting me and I won’t let you guys down and I’ll give you the energy that you guys want."
Frimpong’s fee will be paid in three instalments and Liverpool view him as an option at wing-back and on the right wing, especially with Mohamed Salah set to compete at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Meanwhile, the Merseysiders have agreed a deal for Trent Alexander-Arnold (above) to join Real Madrid on 1 June.
Reports suggest the Reds have secured €10m from the Spanish giants for the early release of the full-back.
The new Premier League champions confirmed a deal had been reached for him to join Real prior to the expiry of his Liverpool contract on 30 June, and Real said this would enable the England international to play for the Spanish side at this summer's Club World Cup.
Liverpool confirmed a fee had been paid to secure the 26-year-old’s services at the start of June rather than from 1 July, with Real announcing Alexander-Arnold had agreed a six-year contract.
A Liverpool club statement said: "Alexander-Arnold joined the club’s academy at the age of six and progressed through the ranks to make his senior competitive debut in October 2016.
"He now departs Anfield after 354 appearances and 23 goals for the club, as well as lifting eight major honours alongside his team-mates, which consist of two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups.
"Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool FC with the club appreciative and grateful for his contribution to those successes."
It is understood Liverpool will benefit to the tune of €12m from the transfer – a combination of a €10m payment from Real to secure Alexander-Arnold's services early, and money saved on four weeks’ wages to the player.
Sources close to the Merseyside club say Real first registered an interest in the player last December, and since then their football department has been determined to protect the best interests of the club.
The money secured appears to represent good business for Liverpool, amid early indications Real would only be willing to pay £850,000 (just over €1m) to secure the player’s services before the expiry of his Liverpool contract.
Alexander-Arnold confirmed on 5 May he would be leaving Liverpool this summer, and was booed by fans during the subsequent home match against Arsenal.
However, he was warmly welcomed by fans at Anfield during the final game of the season against Crystal Palace last Sunday, with the player saying he had "never felt so loved".
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