Wirtz's true feelings on Liverpool transfer saga revealed as manager speaks

Liverpool are still in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a deal to bring Florian Wirtz to Anfield but they are yet to reach an agreement on a fee with the Bundesliga outfit

Julian Nagelsmann insists that Florian Wirtz is fine to play for the Germany national team and that the ongoing negotiations over a blockbuster transfer to Liverpool are not distracting the attacking midfielder.

Wirtz, 22, has linked up with the national team ahead of their UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with Portugal. Talks over his future are continuing in the background as Liverpool try to strike a deal with Bayer Leverkusen to bring him to Anfield.

The Reds have so far seen two bids rejected by the Bundesliga outfit, who value Wirtz at a staggering £126million.

With no agreement reached, the situation looks set to drag on - but that will not stop Nagelsmann selecting Wirtz for Germany duty.

The national team boss confirmed as much on Tuesday, where he also denied that the situation was affecting Wirtz. He said: "Flo will play [against Portugal].

"I don't sense any fear of injury or anything with him. He's a competitor who wants to play and be successful with us."

He added: "I didn't notice that the situation was bothering him. I think it's perfectly normal for every player, coach, whatever, to have one or two thoughts when a transfer is imminent. I think that's part of it."

With Bayern Munich and Manchester City pulling out of the race to sign Wirtz, Liverpool have a clean run at getting a deal done for a player who thrived under Xabi Alonso, a former Kop favourite.

Join the debate! Do you think Liverpool will get a deal for Wirtz done? Let us know here

It emerged on Tuesday that Arne Slot recently met with Rayan Cherki - another Liverpool target - to honour a meeting that was scheduled before things advanced with Wirtz, who remains the club's first-choice target.

While Nagelsmann insists that the saga is not having any mental effect on Wirtz, the player has hit back at reports claiming he is keen to take the No.10 shirt if he moves to Liverpool.

The number is currently worn by Reds midfielder, Alexis Mac Allister, who moved to Merseyside from Brighton two years ago.

Taking to social media to shoot down those reports, Wirtz wrote: “Who says I want the 10. I respect players. Don’t believe everything what’s written,” alongside a clown emoji.