Florian Wirtz issues statement on Liverpool contract talks

Liverpool are reported to be locked in negotiations for Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz.

The 22-year-old Germany international is valued at €150 million by his club and the Reds have already had bids knocked back by the 2023/24 Bundesliga champions.

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The two sides remain apart in their valuations of the No10, but hopefully this transfer is set for a quick resolution.

Liverpool have got themselves into pole position for Wirtz - with Bayern Munich and Manchester City conceding the chase to the Premier League champions.

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Arne Slot, it has been suggested, has told Wirtz he will build the team around the player's strengths.

That personal pitch had a lot more success than Pep Guardiola's, with the Spaniard unable to convince Wirtz to move to the Etihad.

Wirtz contract demands

While the clubs remain in talks, it's been reported in Germany that Wirtz has laid out his demands to the Premier League side.

Among those requests was a reported desire to wear the No10 shirt - currently occupied by midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.

Sky Sport Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg stated on X:"Florian Wirtz would like to wear the number 10 shirt at Liverpool FC. He currently wears it at Leverkusen as well and the number 17 shirt for Germany.

"At the Reds, Alexis Mac Allister currently wears the number 10. LFC are very optimistic about reaching an agreement with Bayer 04 soon. Unless a Liverpool player is included in the deal, Leverkusen are demanding a fee of up to €140–150m."

'Don't believe everything what's written' says Wirtz

But the attacking sensation has hit back at those claims.

While indirectly confirming that talks had taken place with Liverpool, Wirtz took to Instagram to clarify that he had NOT asked for Mac Allister's shirt number.

"Who says I want the 10," he wrote. "I respect players. Don't believe everything what's written." And he followed that statement up with a clown face emoji - hinting at what he thinks of Plettenberg's reporting.

Liverpool will have to make a convincing pitch to both Leverkusen and Wirtz in order to get this deal over the line. The player is seemingly ready to make the move and become the key focus of Arne Slot's attack.

And happily for Mac Allister, he can retain his favoured shirt.

Wirtz in action for Germany

Wirtz will be in action for Julian Nagelsmann's Germany in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals on Wednesday night against Portugal in Munich.

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One the series of games has reached its conclusion, we could well expect more movement in the Wirtz to Liverpool summer saga.