Liverpool have stepped up their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s highly-rated midfielder Florian Wirtz. They have put up a second, improved bid worth £109 million, according to reports on Friday. The Premier League champions’ new offer reportedly includes add-on clauses that could make Wirtz the most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history.  Despite interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals Manchester City, Wirtz is believed to have communicated to Leverkusen his strong desire to join Liverpool ahead of next season. Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes confirmed earlier this week that Liverpool had “concrete interest” in the 22-year-old midfielder.  However, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro previously insisted Wirtz would not be allowed to leave for less than £125 million. Florian Wirtz emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young playmakers after playing a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title win in the 2023-24 season.  He was also named Bundesliga Player of the Season for his performances. This campaign, Wirtz featured in 31 Bundesliga games, scoring 10 goals as Leverkusen finished runners-up to Bayern Munich.  Since his debut at 17 after moving from Cologne in 2020, Wirtz has scored 57 goals in 197 appearances for Leverkusen.

Marcus Rashford is reportedly willing to take a significant pay cut to facilitate a move to Barcelona, as the Manchester United forward looks to secure a new chapter in his career. According to Sport, the 27-year-old has impressed during a loan spell at Aston Villa since January, registering four goals and five assists. But with a permanent switch to Villa Park appearing unlikely, Rashford is now keen on joining the La Liga champions. Currently earning £315,000 per week on a contract that runs until 2028, Rashford knows Barcelona cannot match that wage due to ongoing financial restrictions. United are also seeking around £40 million for the England international, a fee the Spanish side would struggle to meet without concessions on salary. Villa do hold an option to sign him permanently but are reportedly unwilling to meet his wage demands. Even with Champions League football next season, the Midlands club can’t match the prestige or appeal of Barcelona. Unless United lower their asking price and Rashford drastically reduces his wages, a deal could still fall through. But the player’s willingness to compromise signals just how much he wants the move to happen.

Former Liverpool and Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina has confirmed he will retire from football at the end of the season. The 42-year-old made the announcement on Monday night, bringing an end to a remarkable 25-year playing career. Reina, who came through Barcelona‘s academy, rose to prominence at Liverpool, where he spent eight seasons and won both the FA Cup and League Cup. He also claimed the Premier League Golden Glove in each of his first three seasons at Anfield for keeping the most clean sheets. After leaving Liverpool, Reina enjoyed spells with Napoli, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan, before signing for Comolast year, where he made 11 Serie A appearances this season. “A very beautiful career is coming to an end, a very full life,” Reina told Movistar.“I feel very fortunate for what I’ve experienced. I didn’t expect it, but I think the time has come, and I feel like bringing it to a close here. ” On the international stage, Reina earned 36 caps for Spain and was part of the legendary squad that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012. Looking ahead, Reina expressed a desire to move into coaching, as he prepares for life after his playing days. His final professional appearance could come on Friday against Inter Milan, as Como wrap up their season.