Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has reportedly made a specific demand regarding his shirt number as transfer negotiations with Liverpool continue to progress.

According to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, the German international has informed Liverpool that he wants to wear the iconic No. 10 shirt at Anfield if his transfer goes through. This is the same number Wirtz currently wears at Bayer Leverkusen.

The potential shirt number request presents a complication as the No. 10 jersey is currently assigned to Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who joined the club last season.

Transfer Negotiations Ongoing

Liverpool have already had their first offer for Wirtz rejected by Leverkusen, with the German club reportedly demanding a substantial transfer fee of €150 million (approximately £127 million) for their star player.

Sources indicate that Wirtz has expressed his desire to take on a "new challenge" in his career and has specifically chosen the Premier League as his preferred destination. The 22-year-old has reportedly already turned down interest from both Manchester City and Bayern Munich, signaling his strong preference for a move to Anfield.

Wirtz has been a standout performer for Bayer Leverkusen, playing a crucial role in their recent successes under manager Xabi Alonso. His technical ability, vision, and goal-scoring prowess have made him one of the most sought-after young talents in European football.

Liverpool's Transfer Strategy

The pursuit of Wirtz represents a significant statement of intent from Liverpool as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. The English champions are reportedly prepared to make a substantial investment to secure the German playmaker's signature.

While the initial offer has been rejected, negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing. The shirt number request adds another layer to the discussions, potentially requiring internal conversations at Liverpool regarding Mac Allister's current claim to the No. 10 jersey.

Football fans will be watching closely as this high-profile transfer saga develops in the coming weeks, with Wirtz potentially becoming one of the Premier League's most expensive signings if the deal goes through at Leverkusen's asking price.