Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in former Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards as the Premier League giants seek to step up their recruitment operations.
United are in the midst of upgrading their recruiting system, a job led by football director John Murtow.
And many sources say that Edwards is interested in the old Trafford regime with the new look, as they continue to reconsider their transfer team.
Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in former Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards (left) – pictured with Jurgen Klopp and FSG President Mike Gordon (right)
Chelsea owner Todd Bowley (left)
It remains to be seen whether Edwards is open to joining United, given his ties to rivals Liverpool.
But it is not difficult to understand why United are attracted to Edwards given the huge success they had at Anfield.
He joined Liverpool in 2011 as head of the analysis department, before a series of promotions eventually led him to take on the role of sporting director.
Edwards became a major figure in the club’s transformation into a Premier League and European champion thanks to his signatures; Alison, Virgil Van Dyke, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, Tiago and Fabinho are among the many players he played a key role in bringing to Anfield.
Equally impressive were some of the fees he earned from player sales, including £ 146 million for Philippe Coutinho.
Edwards helped make Liverpool a Premier League and European champions
Edwards helped bring people like Mo Salah (left) and Andy Robertson (right) to Anfield
Where Edwards, given his experience, experience and possibly a high salary, will be positioned in United’s recruitment structure is an intriguing situation, given Mrtow’s role as head of department.
For now, United are focusing on strengthening their team before next season, with Murtow leading the process – as Frankie de Jong and Pau Torres among the players on the club’s radar.
But while it is not thought that joining the club’s recruiting team is not inevitable, behind the scenes there is a recognition that United is constantly exploring the football landscape in search of improvement.
United have made a number of changes to their field work since last year, including the appointment of Richard Arnold as chief executive, replacing Ed Woodward as chief executive.
Fabinho (left), Virgil Van Dyke (center right) and Sadio Mane (right) are among the many players he has played a key role to bring to Anfield.
Edwards also provided big money from player sales, including £ 146 million for Philippe Coutinho
Most recently, Andy O’Boyle was appointed United’s deputy director of football, supporting Murtow – he himself handed over the new role last March – to manage “the club’s football strategy in the first team, academy and women’s team”.
In addition to Edwards, it is understood that Brentford recruiting director Lee Dykes and Middlesbrough head of football Kieron Scott also have fans at Old Trafford.
However, United are not the only top-class club to be interested in Edwards after Chelsea turned to the former Liverpool boss to become their next sporting director.
Understandably, Chelsea’s new owners, Todd Boelli and Clearlake Capital, have explored the possibility of appointing Edwards to a senior selection post after confirming the departure of longtime director Marina Granovskaya, who oversaw the club’s transfer talks.
Similarly, Sportsmail has learned that Edwards attracted interest from Ajax earlier this year after Mark Overmars left.
Chelsea have turned to Edwards to become their next sporting director
However, it is clear that Edwards is hesitant to make such a quick return to football after leaving Liverpool this summer, initially with a view to taking a break from the game.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will revive their interest, given Edwards’ initial concerns.
In addition to Edwards, Chelsea are also linked to Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Bertha, while former Barcelona technical secretary Ramon Plains, Monaco transfer manager Paul Mitchell and former Tottenham director Steve Hitchon may also be early candidates.
The prospect of Michael Emenalo, who left his role as Chelsea’s technical director in 2017, to return to Stamford Bridge should also not be ruled out.
Of course, Edwards (right) is hesitant to make such a quick return to football.
For now, new co-owner Todd Bowley will take on the role of interim sports director while the club considers its options.
Sources close to the club point out that the practical American tycoon has thrown himself into the role, so much so that the club is in no hurry to appoint a full-time sports director.
Granovskaya is Chelsea’s last high-ranking departure since being taken over by Boehly-Clearlake Capital for £ 4.25 billion, but will remain at the club’s disposal until the end of the summer transfer window.
Boelli was also elected the new president of Chelsea.
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