Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has revealed that he offered Florian Wirtz advice on his future in a string of text messages. Liverpool are reported to be set to win the race for the exciting Bayer Leverkusen midfielder.

Nagelsmann insists he did not suggest which club the 22-year-old should join. Wirtz had previously been strongly linked with Bayern Munich, but is now said to be closer to joining Liverpool. The Reds are in discussions with Leverkusen over him and team-mate Jeremie Frimpong, who has also shone under former Anfield favourite Xabi Alonso.

“He texted me. We exchanged a few messages,” Nagelsmann said about Wirtz’s future. “I tried to give him tips to the best of my knowledge and belief, but I told him I can’t make the decision for him because my opinion is not necessarily the right one. The final decision is his.

“I didn’t rule out any club, I just tried to explain things to him and give him tips. I’m excited to find out about his decision. We always hear that things are done. It was also said with Bayern before that it was done. Let’s wait.”

Nagelsmann would be happy for Wirtz to join Liverpool or Bayern. At Anfield, the 37-year-old pointed out, the playmaker would be able to play in his favourite position. In Munich, he could link up with international team-mate and friend Jamal Musiala.

“You can look at it from different points of view,” Nagelsmann continued. “In the end every player has to decide for himself. It’s not official, but if it’s Liverpool, then it’d be a very good step because he can play in his position, a great environment, great club.

“Bayern wouldn’t have been a bad option either. It would’ve been good to have them (Wirtz and Jamal Musiala) playing together, but Jamal and Flo can get on well together even if they’re not at the same club. The most important thing is that he plays and continues to develop. If he feels that he would be better off at Liverpool, then he has to do it.”

Sky Germany report that Leverkusen want a quick conclusion to discussions with Liverpool. That would allow them to find a replacement early in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool are also widely understood to be closing in on the signing of fellow Leverkusen star Frimpong, who could be Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement at right-back.