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Work continues on new Anfield pitch as Liverpool step up improvements

Work on replacing the Liverpool pitch for the first time in more than a decade is gathering pace, footage posted on social media shows.

The project, led by head groundsman David Roberts, is expected to cost over £2 million, sources have told ESPN FC.

Work on the Anfield pitch had been delayed by the recent redevelopment of the ground's Main Stand.

Sources said Liverpool had looked at the possibility of doing it last summer but shelved the idea because of the difficulty of carrying out two major projects simultaneously.

In May, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said the pitch was "really dry" following a goalless draw with Southampton, while former manager Brendan Rodgers said in 2015 that he believed it slowed down his team's passing.

Meanwhile, other areas of Anfield are also being given a facelift over the close season, with 470 seats being added to the Kop and the number of wheelchair bays being increased to more than 250.

Construction on Liverpool's new retail store, expected to be open at the start of the new season, is continuing.

"Our retail shop is going to be spectacular," chief executive officer Peter Moore told reporters.

"As a fan, when I would fly over from San Francisco I would stand outside with frustration that you couldn't get in.

"My wallet was ready and my credit card was ready, but I just couldn't buy what I needed to buy here. The new retail store will allow us to fix those issues."