Manchester City strike verbal agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over Florian Wirtz deal framework | OneFootball

There is a verbal agreement in place between Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen over the framework of a potential deal for Florian Wirtz, according to reports.

It is the latest twist in an ever-developing saga concerning one of European football’s most in-demand assets, and a player that could break records when it comes to the list of the highest transfer fees paid for talents in the history of the game.

After several days of reporting from German media indicating that a personal verbal agreement had been struck between Florian Wirtz, his family, and Bayern Munich, Tuesday brought about an in-person meeting between the former and Manchester City.

Sources in both England and Germany confirmed that the Wirtz family had made a short trip to Manchester from low-key airports in the Netherlands and in Blackpool to avoid attention, before meeting with City officials at the City Football Academy training centre.

And now, following those latest developments that appear to show a more open-minded approach from the side of the player as to his future, new reporting has pointed towards an agreement being struck in principle between the clubs involved aside from Bayern Munich.

According to the information of Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas, Manchester City and Bayer Leverkusen have a verbal agreement in place on the framework of potential a deal regarding Florian Wirtz.

It is also pointed out that Manchester City themselves are aware that Bayer Leverkusen would rather sell the 22-year-old attacking midfielder to the Etihad Stadium than direct Bundesliga rivals, Bayern Munich.

From the side of the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions, Allianz Arena officials are also pushing hard to sign the Germany international and remain confident that they can persuade him to join the club.

However, for now, Florian Wirtz is yet to make a final decision on his future.

Additional reporting from talkSPORT’s Alex Crook has also detailed the fee that Manchester City would be willing to hit for the player, with their line being that Etihad Stadium officials would exceed the £100 million barrier.

Wirtz is unlikely to be the only midfield talent that Manchester City aim to recruit this summer, with a firm interest in signing within the ‘No.8’ role where they are showing a keen admiration in one of Italian football’s stars.

That concerns Tijjani Reijnders, whom City are believed to have opened contact over with AC Milan, whilst also respecting the San Siro side’s focus on their remaining games of the ongoing season including the Coppa Italia final.

City and Milan hold a strong relationship having thrashed out favourable terms for Kyle Walker during the January window, and are likely to remain firmly in touch in the lead up to the summer with the Englishman’s future beyond a loan deal still yet to be firmly resolved.