Manchester City are out of the race for Florian Wirtz this summer, MySportDab reports.
With Kevin De Bruyne on the exit lane from the Etihad-based outfit, they have been in search of a replacement for the Belgian midfield sensation.
Wirtz emerged as their priority target to step into the shoes of De Bruyne, given his exceptional and metronomic career stats with Bayer Leverkusen.
It is understood City’s officials have been locked in talks with the player’s camp, but were facing competition from Bayern Munich and domestic rivals Liverpool.
Notably, the seven-time Premier League champions were expected to scale through what would have been the most expensive deal in football history before securing the services of Wirtz.
Close sources reveal the deal was expected to cost City a whopping £250million, including his wages and bonuses.
Meanwhile, amidst rivalry with Bayern Munich and Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen reportedly pushed to seal a deal with City due to their lucrative offer.
However, German outlets report Bayern Munich were leading the race with Wirtz preferring the Bundesliga giants to their Premier League rivals for personal reasons.
Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City have pulled out of the race for Wirtz as their chances of landing the prolific midfielder slim down.
They are reportedly focusing attention on Nottingham Forest sensation Morgan Gibbs-White. Nottingham Forest are reportedly hesitant about letting Gibbs-White leave this summer, but could be tempted to let him go on a good offer.
Also, the City are close to signing another midfielder, Tijjani Reijnders, from AC Milan, as a double-down effort to strengthen their midfield ranks.
