Two of Merseyside’s most famous football heroes are to be remembered with a new statue.

Liverpool FC legend Bill Shankly and Everton FC goalscoring machine Dixie Dean will stand by side between two city centre hotels.

Hotel developer Signature Living envisages that the piece will mark the beginning of its new ‘football quarter’.

Iconic former LFC manager Bill Shankly and EFC striker Dixie Dean may have been from rival teams, but away form the football field the pair were reportedly good friends.

The company, who opened the football-themed Shankly Hotel in 2015, is now planning to open a Dixie Dean hotel on the same Liverpool street next summer.

The sculpture will be located between the two developments.

Work on the scheme is already underway and plans to transform the area into a ‘football quarter’ have been submitted to local planners.

Chris Shankly-Carline, Bill Shankly’s grandson, who is also a director of the Shankly Hotel, says: “Bill Shankly and Dixie Dean are amongst the most iconic names in football history.

“Whether you’re a red or a blue, both men have a special place in the hearts of the people of Merseyside. Their achievements are legendary.”

Signature Living will seek permission from Liverpool City Council for the 8ft bronze statue in the coming weeks.

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