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Liverpool preseason fixtures in full and why Reds have shorter schedule ahead of title defense

Liverpool preseason fixtures in full and why Reds have shorter schedule ahead of title defense

Yahoo2 days ago
Liverpool is currently scheduled to play five preseason friendlies this summer, with the first set to take place in just over a month's time.
The Reds will face Preston at Deepdale on Sunday July 13, when Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong — as well as any other new players that Liverpool signs — could make their debuts.
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Liverpool then travels to Asia for friendlies agains AC Milan and Yokohama on Saturday July 26 and Wednesday July 30 respectively, before returning to England and hosting Athletic Bilbao in back-to-back friendlies on Monday August 4.
The first game against Bilbao kicks off at 5pm BST, before the second game at 8pm BST; fans with a ticket are granted access to both games.
READ MORE: Bayer Leverkusen targets Liverpool star in separate transfer to Florian Wirtz deal
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp already gave new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank the ultimate seal of approval
While other teams in the Premier League might continue to play in friendlies into the following weekend ahead of the start of the league season on Friday August 15, Liverpool will be in Community Shield action against Crystal Palace on Sunday August 10.
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Liverpool's preseason fixtures
Jul 13: Preston v LFC (Deepdale)
Jul 26: AC Milan v LFC (Hong Kong)
Jul 30: Yokohama v LFC (Yokohama)
Aug 4: LFC v Bilbao x2 (Anfield)
Meanwhile, although Liverpool looks to be closing in on Germany international Wirtz, it seems it might not quite be a done deal yet.
Reports on Tuesday suggested that an agreement had been reached with Bayer Leverkusen for a record $171 million transfer, with a medical set to take place in the coming days.
However, those reports were quickly shot down by the highly respected journalist David Ornstein, who said that Liverpool and Leverkusen were still locked in talks as they tried to reach an agreement over Wirtz's move to Anfield.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool is still speaking daily with Leverkusen, with talks in their final stages. What's more, contrary to recent reports, it's claimed that the Reds' second offer last week - worth around $153 million in total - was not rejected, with talks continuing in order to settle on a package suitable for both sides.
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Liverpool is also said to have no intention of bidding as high as the $171M reported on Tuesday by the likes of Fabrizio Romano, while a medical is yet to be arranged.
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