Manchester City have “promised” Florian Wirtz that he would be Kevin De Bruyne’s long-term replacement, according to reports.

The German international is being pursued by several clubs but TBRFootball claim that the Cityzens are hopeful that guarantees about his stature in the first-team squad could help them win the race for his signature

Wirtz’s camp are said to have been impressed with the Manchester club’s determination to land the player and they are very much among the favourites to secure his services at the end of the season.

Bayer Leverkusen remain hopeful that the 21-year-old will sign a new contract, which would include a substantial buyout fee, but it does appear as if the midfielder is leaning towards leaving the Bundesliga champions this summer.

Who are the other clubs trying to sign the City target?

Some reports have suggested that Arsenal and Liverpool remain interested in Wirtz but TBRFootball believe that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are the frontrunners, in addition to the Cityzens.

Real would be the German’s preferred destination, especially if Xabi Alonso replaces Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout at the Bernabeu, while Bayern are also confident of keeping the player in the Bundesliga.

How much will Wirtz cost?

A fee of €150m (£128m) has been mentioned over the past week but Leverkusen are aware his value could depreciate if he stays beyond the next transfer window – the midfielder will have less than two years left to run on his contact at the end of the season.

For that reason, a bid closer to £100m could well be enough. Of course, that would still likely mean City would have to break (or at the very least match) the amount they paid for Jack Grealish in 2021, which is the club’s current transfer record.

Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here