Wirtz's back-up option emerges after angry response to Liverpool demand claims

Florian Wirtz continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool but spoke out on the most recent rumours about a potential switch to Anfield and appears to have put one firmly to bed

Florian Wirtz appears to have been forced into a rethink after speaking out on a potential move to Liverpool. The Bayer Leverkusen star has been strongly linked with a switch to the Premier League champions in recent weeks.

It has been suggested that Liverpool would be willing to pay a British transfer record to sign him, with the German having also given his approval to a transfer. Meanwhile, it was also reported that Wirtz had even gone as far as picking out the number he would don on Merseyside.

The playmaker was apparently keen on the number 10 shirt despite the fact that Argentina star Alexis Mac Allister currently owns said number. Wirtz, however, took to Instagram on Tuesday to scotch those claims.

He wrote: “Who says I want the 10. I respect players. Don’t believe everything what’s written,” alongside a clown emoji.

So with the number 10 shirt potentially off the table, Wirtz might now be looking at different options. 27 - the shirt he wore when breaking into the Bayer Leverkusen first-team - is currently vacant having previously been worn by Darwin Nunez.

The number 7 could also be a surprise option should Luis Diaz leave the club amid reported interest from Saudi Arabia. Wirtz wore 7 for his Germany debut. He has also worn 17 on his more recent call-ups but that belongs to Curtis Jones.

Regardless of the shirt number he wears at Anfield, Liverpool have already been told that they will be gaining a ‘proper number 10’ should they get a deal for Wirtz over the line. Speaking about his abilities, his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Nathan Tella said: “You can see the ability every time he gets on the ball. He’s one of those players in between the lines, he can dribble, he can create passes, he can score.

“For me as a forward he’s great to play with. I’m happy that I’ve been able to play with him and I hope I can continue to still play with him.”

Will Florian Wirtz be a good signing for Liverpool? Share your thoughts in the comments below

He added: “He’s got so much talent, so much technical ability, he’s got an eye for goal. He’s just a brilliant, proper No. 10. Someone you should look forward to watching.”

Wirtz is expected to be in action over the coming weeks as Germany navigate the Nations League finals. They take on Portugal in the first semi-final on Wednesday evening.