Florian Wirtz issues furious Liverpool response as transfer saga goes on

Florian Wirtz is widely expected to join Liverpool ahead of next season

Florian Wirtz has furiously denied rumours that he is demanding to wear an iconic shirt number at Liverpool. The Reds have made a bold start to the summer window by entering talks over a club-record move for the Germany international. Negotiations are still ongoing but he is thought to be keen on moving to Anfield. Earlier this week, it was reported by Sky Germany that Wirtz 'would like' to wear the No 10 shirt currently occupied by Alexis Mac Allister. He has worn the number at Bayer Leverkusen for the last two seasons and was said to be keen on taking it at Anfield. However, the 22-year-old has categorically denied those claims in a furious statement. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Wirtz has denied rumours that he 'would like' to wear the iconic No 10 shirt

Wirtz posted a short written message on his Instagram story, which read: "Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Don't believe everything what's written," followed by a clown emoji. Giving the shirt to Wirtz would risk upsetting Mac Allister, who was delighted to inherit the number upon his arrival at Anfield two years ago. Speaking at the time, he said: "I know how important the No 10 is in football. I had the possibility to take the No 8 as well, which is a big number for this club because of [Steven] Gerrard, of course. "But I decided for No 10 because I used it a lot of times, in Argentina, in Brighton under-23s. It’s a number I really like and that’s why I chose it." It remains to be seen which number Wirtz will wear at Liverpool if his proposed move to Merseyside goes ahead. Terms still need to be agreed at club level, with Bayer Leverkusen said to be holding out for around £120million.

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