Liverpool’s chances of signing Florian Wirtz have increased significantly as he considers leaving Germany – though the Reds are still ‘cautious’ about any move for him.

Wirtz is a major Liverpool target this summer but as recently as earlier this week, they believed he wanted to stay in Germany – either by signing for Bayern Munich or remaining at Bayer Leverkusen for one more.

Liverpool have been waiting for confirmation from Wirtz that he wants to play in England before making a formal offer. The player’s change of heart is being viewed as a significant boost to Liverpool’s hopes of completing a club-record transfer.

Sky in Germany now believe the player is leaning towards moving to Liverpool. They are reporting that view is shared by Leverkusen – and Bayern Munich.

Wirtz is now open to exploring other opportunities after Bayern Munich’s initial interest. Liverpool want to sign the player but the move is not necessarily as advanced as is being suggested.

The Reds are cautious that Wirtz may still decide to stay at Leverkusen and because of the size of any potential club-record deal – transfer fee plus wages on long-term contract.

Leverkusen value 22-year-old Wirtz at €150m (£126m) so he would cost Liverpool significantly more than the club-record £75m they paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in 2017.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong looks like being the first through the door at Anfield this summer, after completing his medical with the club earlier this week.

But Arne Slot admits he also has to find a way of keeping happy fringe players who have barely featured as he has stuck to a core group of about 14 players.

“I’ve said many times already that we, as a club, are very happy with the players we’ve got,” he said.

“Part of it is our decision but in some situations players that haven’t played a lot are not looking forward to another season not playing a lot.

“So, there’s always an ongoing process and we have to make sure that we are prepared if we can strengthen the squad.

“But it’s difficult to strengthen this squad. There’s a reason why we won the league – because we have so many great players.

“It’s an ongoing process, what we are talking about. I think this club has shown so many times in the past that they will make the right decisions.

“And we made the right decision this season as well not to bring in a player at all – except for Federico Chiesa [for £10m] – and that worked out quite well.”

Man City cool interest in Wirtz

Meanwhile, Manchester City have cooled their interest in Wirtz, Sky Sports News understands.

City are not expected to follow up on their initial discussions with the player and his entourage.

That is in large part down to the significant costs of a deal, which could reach as much as £250m (€300m) including transfer fee and wages across a long-term contract.

Analysis: Why is Wirtz in such high demand? One of the best in Europe?

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright takes a look at why Florian Wirtz is such a top target this summer and how his stats compare to Kevin De Bruyne’s.

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season

From next season, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.