Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has shut down rumours linking Florian Wirtz with Manchester United, insisting the club have no plans to sell the midfielder.
The 18-year-old has established himself as one of the most promising young players in the Bundesliga over the last 18 months and is being likened to former Leverkusen wonderkid Kai Havertz.
Wirtz’s outstanding performances have caught the attention of a host of top teams around Europe and Manchester United have reportedly been eyeing a bid for the teenager ahead of the January transfer window.
According to The Daily Star, the Red Devils believe Ralf Rangnick could give the them the upper hand in the race for Wirtz’s signature given his reputation for developing young players back in his native Germany.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been credited with a strong interest in Wirtz, but it appears Europe’s elite will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements this winter.
Asked about the speculation surrounding Wirtz’s future, Leverkusen chief Voller told Bild: ‘Due to his contractual situation and the trust we have built in him and his family, we know that he will be in good hands here for a few more years.
‘At some point, maybe that day will come and this club will be too small for Florian, similar to Kai Havertz.
‘But that will still take a while. My wish is that Florian will stay with us for a few more years.
‘That is important for us and for the whole of the Bundesliga and I think it’s his plan too.’
Wirtz, who rose through Koln’s academy ranks before joining Leverkusen, is tied into a contract at the BayArena until 2026.
Speaking earlier this season, Wirtz’s father and agent, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, stressed that youngster remained fully focussed on Leverkusen and had no plans to leave anytime soon.
‘Florian definitely wants to play a key role at Leverkusen for the next two years,’ he told Bild.
‘What comes after that, we do not know yet. But his focus right now is only on Bayer and the national team.’
Wirtz has already been capped four times at international level and Germany boss Hansi Flick recently described the dynamic Leverkusen attacking midfielder as ‘the complete package’.
‘Florian is just a huge asset for this team through his carefreeness,’ Flick told reporters.
‘He’s simply an outstanding technician, loves to play, very creative, has a good shot, runs hard and is quick.
‘He’s got everything and is the complete package.’
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