The transfer saga involving Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has taken a fresh twist as Liverpool battle to get the deal over the line.
Over the last few weeks, Wirtz, 22, has dominated the headlines as his future became the talk of the town.
Having rejected advances from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Liverpool were left with a clear path to secure Wirtz's signature.
Last week, it was claimed that Liverpool had made an offer worth €130 million.
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The Athletic's David Ornstein wrote: "Liverpool submit offer to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen worth up to €130m in total. This is an improved second bid + figure a top-end amount - comprising fixed fee & potential add-ons. 22yo #Bayer04 playmaker keen to join #LFC @TheAthleticFC."
However, as reported by German news outlet BILD, Leverkusen are holding out for a fee close to a whopping €150 million.
In addition, Wirtz's former side, FC Koln, could delay things.
The report stated that the club's chief, Werner Wolf, has pledged to fight for what he feels Koln deserve.
As per FIFA rules, clubs that have played a role in a player's development from ages 12 to 23 can take a sum of the transfer fee, namely five per cent.
Wirtz was at Koln from the age of seven to 16, meaning Koln could now be owed what has been labelled as 'training compensation'.
If Liverpool are willing to match Leverkusen's €150 million asking price, Koln could end up pocketing €7.5 million.
As per BILD, Wolf said: "Of course, we are looking into it. We know what we are entitled to and will fight for it.
"We're looking at this with both eyes. We'll benefit from it. The higher the sum Liverpool is willing to pay, the better for us."
With the compensation fee now reportedly in the conversation, Leverkusen could use this to drive up their asking price for Wirtz.
This might be bad news for Liverpool fans, as if the asking price proves to be too much, the Reds could potentially walk away from the deal altogether.
Topics: Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen, Football, Bundesliga
Marcus Chan