Man City set to launch huge £125m bid for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz after club chiefs reject Pep Guardiola's pitch to pursue stunning Jude Bellingham deal with Real Madrid

According to Defensa Central, City boss Pep Guardiola has 'insisted' on trying to sign Real Madrid star Bellingham but the 21-year-old doesn't want to leave the club. The report adds that they are now intensifying their interest in Leverkusen attacker Wirtz - a player they may lodge a €150m (£125.5m) bid for.

Wirtz, 21, has been on City's radar for quite some time but it won't be easy to sign the in-demand German international. Bayern Munich are also in for the youngster, while Guardiola's City try and make him part of their bold new rebuild.

The report adds that Real Madrid are not considering a move for Wirtz as they already have Bellingham and are not in desperate need of another attacker.

All eyes will be on whether Wirtz, whose contract runs until 2027, decides to leave Leverkusen or stay with Xabi Alonso's team beyond this season.