FROM GERMANY: LIVERPOOL TRANSFER TWIST AS BAYER LEVERKUSEN EYE SWAP DEAL - THEY WANT £126M FOR FLORIAN WIRTZ

Liverpool’s move for Florian Wirtz has taken another twist with Bayer Leverkusen not willing to budge on their valuation

Liverpool will need to return with an improved offer if they want to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, it has been reported in Germany.

Florian Wirtz is heavily linked with a move to Liverpool | Getty Images/ Canva

The Reds made an offer totalling £109m for the German international late last week but football magazine Kicker has reported that has been rejected by Leverkusen, who want £126m to sanction the player’s exit.

It was the second bid the Reds had made for Wirtz with the first package coming in at around £96m. The 22-year-old is a key target for Liverpool with a deal done for Jeremie Frimpong while the Anfield outfit also hope to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth.

Kicker has reported that the Reds have two options to seal a deal for Wirtz. The first is to meet Leverkusen’s valuation of the player with a fresh and third bid while the other is to offer a player in part-exchange for Wirtz in order to keep his price down.

The Bundesliga side are said to be admirers of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott - who could see his playing time further reduced by the arrival of Wirtz. Liverpool World has previously suggested a swap deal involving Elliott and Jarell Quansah might be a possible way of getting a deal done for Wirtz.

Elliott’s ability to play number 10 and out on the right makes him an attractive prospect for Leverkusen. Earlier reports indicated the boyhood Liverpool fan could be on his way out of the club in the summer. Liverpool will allow him to leave for the right offer with two years left on his contract at Anfield.

To meet Leverkusen’s valuation of Wirtz, Liverpool need to up their offer by about £17m. In the current market, Elliott would be valued much higher so if a player swap was to be proposed, then Leverkusen must be willing to accept a cash offer of below £100m if Elliott is included in any deal.

What Harvey Elliott has said about his future

Last month, Elliott told the Liverpool Echo: “This is my team, I am committed to them and it's just a situation that is always going to have a lot of talk, I just need to think about what is best for my future, my career and as much as I want it to be here.

“If I had it my way, I would play each and every game here and stay here for the rest of my career but it all depends on managers, the people above and as I said you don't know what could happen but as far as I am aware I am here, here to stay and this is the club I want to be at.”

Of Liverpool’s senior players, only Federico Chiesa had fewer minutes than Elliott during 2024-25. The midfielder provided 14 assists during the 2023-24 campaign but only had three in the most recent season as he struggled for game-time. He did score in the winner in a 1-0 win at Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and has been a strong performer off the bench this campaign.

- Ben McKenna

THE SIX LIVERPOOL PLAYERS WHO CURRENTLY DON'T QUALIFY FOR A PREMIER LEAGUE MEDAL 🥇

Liverpool have just claimed the Premier League title, although not all of their players currently qualify for a medal due to their lack of appearances.

According to the official Premier League website, players must make at least five league appearances to be guaranteed a winners’ medal.

In total, the club are given 40 medals that they can distribute among players, coaching staff and other employees at the club.

Players can still receive a medal, even if they don’t meet the threshold of appearances, although it is then at the discretion of the club as to who receives one.

As of writing, here are the six senior Liverpool stars who don’t currently qualify for a Premier League winners’ medal.

Federico Chiesa

As things stand, Liverpool’s only summer signing doesn’t automatically qualify for a Premier League medal.

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The Italian winger has struggled with injuries throughout the campaign and has only made four substitute appearances, totalling a mere 33 minutes of Premier League football.

In order to qualify for a medal, he’ll need to feature in at least one of Liverpool’s remaining matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton or Crystal Palace.

Vitezslav Jaros

The Czech Republic shot-stopper has been behind Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher in the pecking order this season.

He did make a brief cameo against Crystal Palace back in October, although that won’t be enough for him to automatically qualify for a winners’ medal.

The club could still hand Jaros one of the spare medals they receive, although that’s at their discretion.

Jayden Danns

The 19-year-old made one Premier League appearance for Liverpool before being sent out on loan in January.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will give him a medal for the 10 minutes that he played against Ipswich at the start of the year.

Since being sent out on loan to Sunderland, Danns hasn’t made a single appearance in the Championship as a back injury has kept the teenager sidelined for the past few months.

Therefore, if Sunderland manage to win promotion via the playoffs, he likely won’t qualify for a medal with them either.

Tyler Morton

The 22-year-old has made five appearances for Liverpool this season, although none of them have been in the Premier League.

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After spending the last couple of years out on loan in the Championship, Morton decided to stick around at Anfield and fight for his place under Arne Slot.

Most of his minutes this season have been in the Carabao Cup and he’s not played a Premier League match since 2021-22.

James McConnell

Like Morton, McConnell has racked up a few appearances for Liverpool this season, but they’ve all been in cup competitions.

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The 20-year-old has made Liverpool’s Premier League matchday squad on four occasions this season, but he’s always been an unused substitute.

Trey Nyoni

Nyoni was on Liverpool’s bench against Manchester City, Newcastle, Fulham and Tottenham back in December, but he never made it onto the pitch.

The youngster has featured in the League Cup, FA Cup and Champions League this season, but that doesn’t qualify him for a Premier League medal.

- Ben Stewart

'I HAVE TO SAY' - EDDIE HOWE BLOWN AWAY BY WHAT LIVERPOOL PLAYERS DID AFTER NEWCASTLE UNITED FINAL LOSS

Newcastle United finally ended their 70-year wait for silverware as they earned a 2-1 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

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Eddie Howe praised the dignity that Liverpool showed after their Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle United.

The Magpies finally ended their 70-year wait for a trophy as they delivered a 2-1 win at Wembley. Newcastle were fully deserving of their triumph, with Dan Burn opening the scoring on the stroke of half-time before Alexander Isak doubled the advantage minutes in the second period.

While Federico Chiesa bagged in second-half stoppage-time for Liverpool, Howe’s men saw the triumph out comfortable to send the Toon Army wild. The Reds missed out on a chance to win a maiden trophy of the Arne Slot era although they are Premier League champions-elect.

What’s been said

Howe suffered Carabao Cup final heartbreak at the hands of Manchester United two years ago. He knows the pain and praised Slot and his players for how they handled defeat. Newcastle chief Howe said: “I’m a firm believer that you’re in control of everything. For me, we had to focus on performance. I have to compliment Liverpool. Liverpool have been the best team in the Premier League by a mile this year and we knew we had to raise our game to have any chance.

“We needed everyone to give their maximum game and I thought they did. I have to give compliments to have Liverpool handled themselves after. We have been there two years ago - it is a horrible feeling. I thought they were absolute class - the manager, the players was really good. The curse stuff for me never existed, it was in our heads.

You are pleased for other people. So pleased for the players. We have all had different journeys. I love working with them every day and an honoured to be their leader. I am so pleased the supporters have this trophy to end the long wait. Hopefully we can get some more in the future. It is amazing what football can do. It is one of the rare sports that has that ability to give people days they will always remember. With the long wait, we will never forget. I certainly won’t. We played against a brilliant opponents, the best team in the Premier League this season.

“Hopefully with one, it can become more. There’s no guarantee, though, but I just think it proves we can do it. I’ve never had any doubts about our ability to lift our game. But you don’t get many shots at this, you don’t get many shots at a cup final. Today we had to try and take our opportunity and that’s where the players delivered under pressure so well and so impressively. It also proved that we can mix our game against the very, very best. Now the challenge for us is to try and get there more often.”

On the changes to preparations from their 2023 loss, Howe commented: “I don’t think we did anything drastically different. We just tried to take away the distractions but the first time we got to Wembley was very emotional, you could sense that in the players the crowd. I don’t think that was necessarily the reason we lost. We tried to take away the distractions, similar to a Premier League build up, we stayed at a quieter hotel. We respect Liverpool but I don’t think you can go on the pitch and fear anyone. I don’t think anyone can begrudge us it.”

- Will Rooney

FEDERICO CHIESA IN LIVERPOOL SQUAD FOR UCL TRIP TO AC MILAN

Federico Chiesa is part of the Liverpool squad that will face Milan in the Champions League. Getty Images

Arne Slot said Federico Chiesa is still not fit to start for Liverpool, despite naming the Italy forward in his squad for Tuesday's Champions League clash against AC Milan in the San Siro.

Chiesa, 26, sealed a £10 million transfer from Juventus to Liverpool during the final week of the summer window last month -- a deal which saw him become the only addition to Slot's squad following the departure of former manager Jurgen Klopp last season.

Liverpool also signed goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, but the Georgia international was immediately loaned back to Valencia.

Former Fiorentina player Chiesa has been hit by a succession of serious injuries since helping Italy to Euro 2020 success in 2021 and he arrived at Anfield having last played a competitive game in Italy's Euro 2024 exit against Switzerland in July.

And Liverpool boss Slot said that, while Chiesa could make his first appearance against Milan, his best hope is of a late outing from the substitutes' bench.

"He [Chiesa] is for the first time in our team selection," Slot said at his pre-match press conference in Milan. "And since I said it's the first time he's in the selection, it would be a big surprise for him and for everyone if he would start tomorrow.

"So I don't think you should expect that he starts, but he can make a few minutes for the first time tomorrow if we need him and that is something we will see.

"But don't expect him to be there from in the starting lineup. He's been with Juve, training on his own for a long time, and now with us for a few weeks.

"He has had some training time, but it's too early for him to play 90 minutes. Hopefully he can make his first minutes in the upcoming fixtures."

Despite Chiesa's troubled recent fitness record, Slot said that he can still have an impact at Liverpool when he is fully fit.

"I always like to bring in quality players and I think that he is a quality player that combines quality with an enormous work rate," Slot said. "The culture of this club and the culture of this team is working really hard when we don't have the ball.

"And I think he brings this to his game in combination with scoring goals in combination with he can play in several positions upfront."

- Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

TRANSFER TALKS; CHELSEA CONSIDER LATE MOVE FOR IVAN TONY

Ivan Toney has been linked with Chelsea, Al Ahli and Arsenal during this transfer window. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

TOP STORY: Chelsea to battle Al Ahli for Toney

Chelsea are preparing to step up their interest in Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to the Standard

.The Blues are said to want to make a move for the 28-year-old before the transfer window closes on Friday, though they will not be able to meet the reported salary offer proposed to him by Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli of £16 million per year. It is believed that the Bees are open to parting ways with Toney if they receive an offer close to £40m.

Signing a striker for manager Enzo Maresca's side remains a priority for the Stamford Bridge hierarchy this summer, and they are also interested in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, says Gianluca Di Marzio. Chelsea are expected to make their first official offer for the 25-year-old Nigeria international in the coming days, amid anticipation of competition from Paris Saint-Germain. As with Toney, Al Ahli are also reportedly in the running for Osimhen, having already made an offer worth €70m to Napoli.

Chelsea secured their first win of the Premier League season with a 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Sunday.

PAPER GOSSIP

- An agreement has been reached between Bayern Munich and Al Ahli for winger Kingsley Coman, says Sky Sports Deutschland's Florian Plettenberg. A move is believed to now hinge on whether the 28-year-old is open to the switch to the Saudi Pro League, after it was reported that the Bundesliga club were open to parting ways with him.

- Liverpool are looking to offer Juventus winger Federico Chiesa a four-year contract until the summer of 2028, reports the Athletic. Talks are believed to have been continuing between the Reds and the Bianconeri after the Premier League club made an initial approach, and it looks as though negotiations over personal terms with the 26-year-old's representatives are also underway.

- Manchester United and Newcastle United are considering a late move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to Football Insider. The 27-year-old entered the final 12 months of his contract this summer, and after the Toffees previously dismissed interest in him, the latest indicates that both clubs could be set to return and test the waters again. He has also previously been linked with Chelsea.

- Talks between AS Monaco and former Liverpool centre-back Joël Matip have broken down, according to Foot Mercato. The Ligue 1 club are reported to have made an approach to sign the 33-year-old as a free agent, but it is said that they believe his salary demands were too high for them to meet. Matip has been a free agent since his contract expired at Anfield in July.

- A loan deal has been agreed between Bayer Leverkusen and Paris Saint-Germain for defender Nordi Mukiele, says Fabrizio Romano. The 26-year-old is reported to be set to undergo his medical with the Bundesliga side, who have agreed to cover his salary in full until the end of the season. It is said that there is no permanent option clause included as part of the agreement.

- Adam Brown

LIVERPOOL PLOT SURPRISE MOVE FOR FEDERICO CHIESA - SOURCE

Federico Chiesa has been deemed surplus to requirements by new Juventus head coach Thiago Motta. Chris Ricco - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images

Liverpool are considering a move for Federico Chiesa before Friday's transfer deadline after being made aware of the Juventus forward's availability, a source has told ESPN.

The 26-year-old had been close to a €13 million ($14.5m) transfer to Barcelona earlier this month, but the LaLiga side have been unable to structure a deal and Liverpool are now undertaking a period of due diligence on the Italy international ahead of a possible move this week.

Chiesa, whose contract at Juventus expires at the end of this season, has been hit by a series of injuries, including a 10-month cruciate ligament lay-off, since helping Roberto Mancini's Italy team to success in Euro 2020.

But despite his troubled fitness record, Liverpool are interested in Chiesa due to his pedigree and versatility.

Liverpool have yet to make a signing this summer following Arne Slot's appointment as head coach in the wake of Jürgen Klopp's departure from Anfield at the end of last season.

Negotiations are continuing over a €40m deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili -- a deal that would see the Georgia international remain at the Spanish club on loan for the remainder of this season.

But while Slot has said that he is happy with his existing squad, Liverpool could yet add Chiesa this week if a suitable deal can be struck with Juventus.

- Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC

FEDERICO CHIESA WINS STAR OF THE MATCH | ITALY | EURO 2020 | #EURO2020