The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the hottest young prospects across Europe after swapping Cologne for Leverkusen in 2020.

Wirtz, who has five years left on his current deal at the Bay Arena, is being tagged as a future superstar in German football after enjoying a breakthrough 2020/21 campaign, during which he registered 16 direct goal contributions.

After making a sensational start to the season with six goals and five assists in eight appearances across all competitions, Wirtz has been linked with some of the top sides across the competition, including Manchester City.

According to German magazine Sports BILD, whose information has been translated and relayed by Sport Witness, City are 'regularly watching' the attacking midfielder, but could face stiff competition in the race for his signature from local rivals Manchester United.

Wirtz could warrant a sensational transfer sum in the vicinity of €100 million if his stock continues to rise among the elite clubs across Europe, with reports suggesting that City were previously watching the Pulheim-born star 'intensely'.

It has further been stated that members of Wirtz's family had conducted meetings with representatives from clubs such as City back in 2019, though he eventually signed for Leverkusen, who have raised his salary to around €5 million-per-year.

Wirtz's father has not deemed a potential switch to a big club out of the realms of possibility - predicting that top clubs from England could soon 'get serious’ about the teenager.

His father said, as quoted by BILD: “Florian (Wirtz) is a young player. He has to mature. It would be wrong to interrupt this process.

“It’s a great goal to play in the 2022 World Cup. For that, Florian’s training must continue calmly and continuously."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
NHL approves sale, relocation of Arizona Coyotes
Eastern and Western Conference play-in teams' odds to advance take hit with brutal injuries
NFL decides fate of five players suspended for gambling
Injured Rangers ace ahead of schedule in rehab efforts
Penguins' Sidney Crosby addresses retirement, contract chatter
Warriors 'want' Klay Thompson back with team next season
Bill Belichick says he’s only coached one rookie who was NFL-ready from Day 1
Giants GM addresses Daniel Jones 'buyer’s remorse' report
76ers big man gives Knicks bulletin-board material ahead of first-round matchup
Yankees star joins elite company after latest feat
Watch: Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon puts exclamation point on historic season
Aroldis Chapman suspended by MLB over brief exchange with umpire
Packers make important roster move just days before 2024 NFL Draft
Steelers' Russell Wilson blasted by Super Bowl champion: 'You were along for the ride' for championship
Former GM eviscerates Falcons brass for passing on Bill Belichick
Yankees' Juan Soto reportedly eyeing 'bidding war' between two teams
Mike Trout makes his thoughts on a trade from Angels abundantly clear
Former White Sox All-Star critical of time with the club
Deion Sanders denies restricting Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter to six NFL teams
Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard declares for NBA Draft, creating hole in backcourt