Manchester United Hopeful Ralf Rangnick Can Convince £70 Million Wonderkid To Join

Wirtz, just 18, has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in German football and has scored eight goals in 20 appearances in all competitions.

He's already matched his tally in the whole of last season, where he broke into the side and established himself as a regular.

And Wirtz's performances have attracted the attention of a slew of Europe's leading clubs.

Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City have all been listed as admirers of Wirtz.

The 63-year-old, now United's interim manager, is held in high regard in his native Germany not only for his coaching philosophy but the way in which he has developed a number of young players.

He is taking charge of United until the end of the season but the deal he signed included a consultant role upstairs at the club once that stint is done.

Leverkusen see Wirtz as their prize asset and are poised to ask for at least £70 million, which could put off the likes of Bayern and Real.

The German outfit offloaded Kai Havertz to Chelsea for a similar fee in the summer of 2020 and see Wirtz on that same level.

Wirtz is the youngest player to make 50 appearances in the Bundesliga, while he made his debut for the German national team in September when he replaced Joshua Kimmich.

He was also ranked fourth in the 2021 Golden Boy award, which was won by Barcelona starlet Pedri.