The National Football Museum has been inundated with calls from people wanting to buy George Best merchandise since the football star's death last year.

Museum chiefs said the item for sale that has attracted the most interest is a signed replica of his red Manchester United football shirt worn in 1972 and 73. It has a price tag of £495.

The museum also holds in its collection the trophy Best was given when he was awarded European Footballer of the Year in 1968 and also exhibits what are believed to be the player's last existing pair of football boots are also on show, along with a Spitting Image puppet of the footballer.

Best visited the museum in November 2003.

"The response we have had since his sad death last year has been tremendous, we have been inundated with calls for merchandise," said Mark Bushell, the musuem's curator.

"It's not just individuals wanting a piece of George Best history, but collectors who can see there might be a market for the memorabilia in the future," he added.

It comes as two 1966 England heroes plan a trip to the museum in Deepdale to unveil the first national football pools exhibition.

The game which has kept millions glued to their seats every Saturday afternoon awaiting the final scores and paid out a staggering £3billion in prize money, will be showcased from January 10-March 31.

The exhibition, Football and Fortunes, will be officially opened on Tuesday, January 10, at 1pm, by England goalkeeping legend, Gordon Banks, and former Liverpool star and Kop favourite, Roger Hunt.

Mr Bushell said: "Football is indebted to Littlewoods Pools for helping to make football popular amongst the whole family. Littlewoods played a huge part in making football a national obsession rather than simply a game played by working class men."