Bayer Leverkusen close in on £34m deal to sign Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah days after agreeing to sell Florian Wirtz to Reds in huge £116m move

Tah chose to join Bayern Munich after his Leverkusen contract came to an end, leaving a gap in central defence that the club is keen to fill swiftly. Quansah is the number one candidate, and the Bundesliga runners-up are reportedly closing in on a deal with the Premier League champions worth just over €40m (£34m/$45.8m).

The deal comes as Liverpool also move closer to the record-breaking £116m signing of fellow Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who, subject to a club medical, is set to become the most expensive player in British football history (with add-ons included). In that context, a £34m cash injection for a central defender who isn't a guaranteed starter at Anfield will be welcome news for the club's hierarchy.

While Quansah was a regular starter under Slot last season (making 25 appearances in total), he relied heavily on cup competitions for his game time, starting only five times in the Premier League. This reduction in playing time following Jurgen Klopp's departure is likely a key factor behind his move to the Bundesliga.

Reports suggest that no formal bid for Quansah has been made yet, but talks seem to be progressing quickly and the England U21 international is desperate for more game time ahead of next year's World Cup. If Ten Hag's side manages to get the deal done, it will represent a record transfer fee for Leverkusen, surpassing the €32m (£27.1m; $36.7m) they paid Hoffenheim for Kerem Demirbay in 2019.