Wirtz set to play numbers game... not a perfect 10

THE last time Liverpool were at Preston North End’s Deepdale stadium, it was notable for the sight of interim sporting director Jorg Schmadtke sneaking out at half-time into the car park.

- By IAN DOYLE Chief LFC Writer

Vape in one hand and mobile phone in the other, with the Reds in the midst of a pursuit of a midfielder it wouldn't have been a surprise had Schmadtke been attempting to broker a transfer.

But when the Reds are next in the Lancashire city on July 13, all eyes are likely to be trained on another German given it will be the first opportunity to watch Florian Wirtz in action as a Liverpool player.

The formalities of the move for the 22-year-old will be completed next week with the Reds having thrashed out a deal with Bayer Leverkusen worth a guaranteed £100million plus £16m in add-ons.