This is a modified version of an article that was published on May 16, updated to reflect the news that Liverpool are favourites to sign Florian Wirtz. Maximising space on a football pitch can be complex,

Liverpool’s pursuit of Florian Wirtz has taken a significant step forward after the club approached Bayer Leverkusen, the PA news agency understands. The club have held an interest in the 22-year-old playmaker for some time and his anticipated exit from the deposed Bundesliga champions was expected to spark a scramble for his signature.

Is Liverpool about to make a splash in the market for a German gem? An unexpected twist in the career of a talent who already said "no" to a giant.