'We could have imagined signing him' - Bayern Munich chief confirms they have missed out on Florian Wirtz deal as Bayer Leverkusen star prepares to complete huge Liverpool switch

The 22-year-old is hot property after two excellent seasons under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, and numerous clubs have reportedly been interested in signing him this summer. However, few sides can compete with the Premier League riches held by Liverpool, and even Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich couldn't match the finances of the English title winners.

If the rumours are true that Liverpool are paying Leverkusen £100m ($136m) with around £14m ($19m) in add-ons for Wirtz, it would make the young Germany star the most expensive player in British football history. And if he's able to keep up the levels he's set at Leverkusen under Alonso, there's no reason Wirtz can't immediately set the Premier League alight.

Eberl told Sky Germany: "If I'm honest, I don't know if we could have paid what Liverpool are apparently paying now. Florian Wirtz is an outstanding player. We could have imagined signing him. But when a door closes, another opens."

Wirtz's Liverpool transfer won't be completed until the prolific winger returns from holiday next week, after which he'll undergo a medical. But with other interested parties like Bayern Munich backing out of the race for his signature because they can't compete with Liverpool's financial muscle, it'll surely only be a matter of time before he's on the training field with Arne Slot.