'I earned Jurgen Klopp's praise and made plea to Ryan Reynolds – now I'm joining Wrexham'

Wrexham are on the verge of signing a player who once earned praise from Jurgen Klopp and issued a come-and-get-me plea to the club's Hollywood owners. Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward is expected to undergo a medical early this week ahead of re-joining his hometown club on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old's contract with the Foxes is due to expire on Monday and, according to the Mail, he will serve as a back-up to Wrexham's current first-choice goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo. Ward was born in Wrexham and came through the club's academy before joining Liverpool for an initial fee of £100,000 in January 2012.

He later joined Leicester in a deal worth £12.5million in 2018, triggering a significant windfall for the Red Dragons. Ward made 52 appearances for the Foxes across the next six seasons and has also won 44 international caps for Wales during his career.

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news: Marc Guehi plan explained as Reds agree release clause fee

READ MORE: Man Utd transfer target pictured in shirt as Ruben Amorim waits on second signing

He was previously hailed as "brilliant" by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during his time at Anfield. The German was commenting after the shot-stopper made his Reds debut in a 2-1 win away at Bournemouth in April 2016.

He replaced Simon Mignolet between the sticks that day, earning the praise of his boss in the process. Asked by BBC Sport about Ward's display, Klopp responded: "Danny Ward was brilliant. Let the self-confidence grow of goalkeepers, they're normal human beings."

Klopp hinted at a three-way battle for Liverpool's No. 1 spot involving Ward, Mignolet and Loris Karius during the summer of 2017. It came after Ward played a crucial role in Huddersfield's promotion from the Championship during a season-long loan spell in 2016/17.

Klopp said: "That's very comfortable for the manager - three really good goalkeepers. It is like it is and nothing is decided. They can all show how good they are. I don't want to bring doubt so that they start doubting.

"They are at a fantastic club and a fantastic football club needs fantastic goalkeepers. We had a really good goalkeeping season. Yes, it was a little bit difficult for Loris but I'm sure he had his part in the development of Simon, who played a really good season.

"And Danny played a fantastic season at Huddersfield with a big success at the end. We have three goalkeepers and they can all show what they are able to do, and then we will see who will start."

While Ward ultimately failed to establish himself as first-choice in the long run, he brings vital experience of top flight football with him after making five appearances for Leicester last season. It wasn't enough to help them avoid relegation, though, and they will now go head-to-head with Wrexham in the Championship next term.

Wrexham have enjoyed three successive promotions under co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, taking them from the National League to the second tier. And Ward has clearly been following his boyhood team's progress closely.

Asked about the possibility of returning club in an appearance on the Fearless in Devotion fan podcast in February 2022, he said: "Some of the best years of my life were actually being in that youth team set-up at Wrexham. Those are memories that I hold dear. Get Ryan and Rob on the phone."

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.