Liverpool 'hopeful of persuading Michael Edwards to return'

Liverpool have reportedly not given up hope of bringing former sporting director Michael Edwards back to the club.

The Reds are preparing for a turbulent summer, with manager Jurgen Klopp set to bid farewell after spending nine years in the hotseat at Anfield.

Klopp's decision to leave at the end of the season has forced Liverpool to scour the managerial market for potential replacements.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner for the role, but a number of names have also been mentioned, including Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim.

In addition to their managerial search, the Reds are also on the lookout for a new sporting director after Jorge Schmadtke left his role following the conclusion of the winter transfer window.

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Schmadtke was effectively viewed as a stop-gap replacement for Edwards's successor, Julian Ward, who left his role last summer.

With Liverpool looking to establish continuity off the field, the Daily Mail are reporting that they are still hoping to bring Edwards back to the club.

The report claims that Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group attempted to discuss a possible return with Edwards at the end of last month.

However, Edwards insisted he did not want to return to the Merseyside club in a similar role after spending six years as the club's sporting director before leaving in 2022.

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While the 44-year-old has turned down Liverpool's initial approach, the Reds are still looking into the possibility of bringing him back to the club in some capacity.

In a separate update, The Times state that Edwards would want to assume full control of football operations if he is to consider the prospect of returning to Anfield.

Since leaving the Reds, Edwards has been linked with roles at a number of clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea.

Edwards is currently working with Liverpool's former director of research Ian Graham at a sports advisory business, Ludonautics.

Although Liverpool are keen to recruit Edwards, they are still looking to appoint a new sporting director by the end of March.