Erik ten Hag eyes Premier League star as Florian Wirtz’s replacement

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has identified an out-of-favour Premier League star to replace Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen.

Germany international Wirtz is being linked with a move to Liverpool, who are still pushing to sign him after a £113 million bid was turned down. Leverkusen want £126 million for their top talent but Liverpool are reportedly going back to present a final offer of £118 million which they hope will seal the deal.

Having appoint Erik ten Hag as their new head coach following the departure of Xabi Alonso – who joined Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti replacement – Leverkusen have looking at bringing in Manchester City star Jack Grealish as Wirtz replacement.

According to The Sun, Ten Hag wants Grealish to fill the void Wirtz will likely leave.

Jack Grealish is set to leave Manchester City this summer. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Grealish does not appear to have a future at the Etihad Stadium and is set to be left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, with former club Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham and Napoli are said to be interested.

However, Leverkusen are keen – with Ten Hag said to have told Leverkusen officials that Grealish is the “perfect replacement” for Wirtz despite recent difficulties and lack of gametime.

Grealish made just seven Premier League starts last season and Pep Guardiola hinted at an exit, England boss Thomas Tuchel has also urge Grealish to get regular football in order to work his way into his plans.

“He needs to make himself available by playing,” Tuchel said.

“I think it’s one of his key strengths. To go every three days and get better and better with every minute that he has in his legs. That’s what is missing, nothing else.

“I love Jack for his personality and, of course, his talent. He is a very unique player who can handle big pressure on the field. He is never shy of pressure. It’s the opposite.

“He grows in big matches, but he’s a player who needs minutes and minutes and minutes and simply does not get them for a very long time. Nothing has changed.”

City are reportedly willing to take a £60 million hit on their club-record signing, while Newcastle have expressed interest in a loan deal due to Grealish’s current £300,000-a-week wages.