Manchester City are exploring deals for two Bundesliga midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

German magazine SportBild (via Sport Witness) claim that the Premier League champions are interested in both Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson.

Wirtz has been on City’s radar for quite some time, with the playmaker being tipped to replace the ageing Kevin De Bruyne, who could leave the Etihad when his contract expires in the summer.

Leverkusen won’t let Wirtz leave without a fight, though and, if the player doesn’t sign a new contract, SportBild report that they are willing to hold out for as much as €150m (£125m).

Wirtz has been in great form this season

It is not a surprise that Leverkusen are demanding a high fee considering the German international’s performances.

Wirtz has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 34 appearances. He is on course to surpass the 38 goal contributions he managed last season when Xabi Alonso’s side won the league title, the German Cup and reached the Europa League final.

Larsson will be cheaper but City face fierce competition

City’s interest in the Swedish international is more recent and SportBild suggest that Frankfurt will be open to offloading the midfielder at the end of the season if a club matches their €50m (£42m) asking price.

However, Larsson does have plenty of other suitors. It was reported last year that Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are keeping close tabs on Larsson, while Real Madrid and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest.

After successful negotiations for Omar Marmoush, City will be hoping that the club’s good relations with Frankfurt will help them win the race for another one of their players.

Read our exclusive interview with Shaun Wright-Phillips. He talks about why City should still make the top 4 this season.