Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has hit back at his own player, Joshua Kimmich, over comments he made about Florian Wirtz 's impending transfer to Liverpool. The 22-year-old made his preference of the English champions over the German heavyweights clear - paving the way for a £116m agreement.

The 22-year-old registered 16 goals and 15 assists across 45 games in 2024-25, as Leverkusen finished second in the Bundesliga.

Liverpool’s continued engagement with Leverkusen over recent weeks has also coincided with major changes at the German club. Head coach Xabi Alonso has taken over at Real Madrid, replacing Carlo Ancelotti. Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been appointed to lead Leverkusen through the next phase of their development.

For their part, Bournemouth have signed Adrien Truffert from Rennes for £14.5m to replace Kerkez. The Cherries face their own rebuild this summer with centre-back Illya Zabarnyi the subject of interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Bournemouth's transfer activity appears to have paved the way for Liverpool to sign highly-rated left-back Milos Kerkez.

Liverpool wants to sign Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth this month and the South Coast club is clearly planning for life without the Hungarian after signing two new left-backs this year