Real Madrid 'to wait until 2023 for Florian Wirtz bid'

Real Madrid are supposedly set to wait until 2023 before tabling an offer for Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Florian Wirtz.

The 18-year-old has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in Europe following his performances this season, registering 10 goals and 13 assists from 28 appearances in all competitions.

Wirtz's rapid rise has reportedly led to interest from the likes of Real, Manchester United and Chelsea, but Leverkusen are under no pressure to sell the teenager, whose deal does not expire until 2026.

According to Defensa Central, Los Blancos are not prepared to move for Wirtz this summer, with Carlo Ancelotti focused on trying to improve other areas of the midfield.

The report adds that Real Madrid's chief scout Juni Calafat will keep a close eye on Wirtz's performances, but the playmaker could command a figure as high as €100m (£82.8m).

Wirtz - a former prospect of Koln's youth academy before his move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 - now has 19 goals and 21 assists to his name from 75 senior appearances for Leverkusen, as well as two assists from four Germany caps.