Veteran German executive Jorg Schmadtke has emerged as a surprise front-runner to become Liverpool's next sporting director.
The Reds have been on the hunt for someone to fill the role with Julian Ward leaving the club at the end of next month having spent only 12 months in the position as successor to Michael Edwards.
A number of names have been considered, with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp taking a key role in the process alongside chief executive Billy Hogan and Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon.
