Liverpool are set to appoint Joerg Schmadtke are their new sporting director.
Schmadtke, 59, is expected to come out of retirement and support Jurgen Klopp as the Reds prepare for a critical summer after a below-par campaign. Liverpool will miss out on Champions League football next season, barring a minor miracle with Manchester United and Newcastle on course to book their top-four place in the Premier League.
The Reds realistically need United to lose both of their remaining matches against Chelsea and Fulham and hope they beat Southampton on the final day. That would secure their spot in Europe's elite club competition, while Newcastle have all but sealed their place, having accumulated a much better goal difference.
