West Ham set Tim Steidten stance as Liverpool hatch sporting director plan
West Ham are confident they will keep hold of technical director Tim Steidten amid reported interest from Liverpool.
Earlier this week, Steidten confessed links to Anfield were "an honour" - though he revealed there has been no formal contact from the Reds.
The former Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen chief has enjoyed huge success in the transfer market since joining the Hammers last summer having played an influential role in the marquee signings of Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez, respectively.
Though recent results have been unsatisfactory, Steidten's stock has risen after helping West Ham replace departed captain Declan Rice somewhat seamlessly following his £105million transfer to Arsenal.
And his work is understood to have impressed Liverpool, who are targeting a new sporting director to oversee the post-Jurgen Klopp rebuild following the German's bombshell resignation.
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However, it would require a hefty and substantial compensation package to prise Steidten away from east London despite his personal admiration for Liverpool. Sources have refused to disclose whether he has a release clause written into his current contract.
He will also have a crucial role to play in resolving the future of David Moyes after West Ham decided to park contract discussions with the under-pressure Scotsman.
A new lucrative two-and-a-half-year deal had been discussed between the parties but the 6-0 humiliation at home to Arsenal last weekend - marking seven matches without a win in all competitions - prompted a rethink.
Jorg Schmadtke's short-term deal at Liverpool has now expired following the culmination of the January transfer window after he replaced Julian Ward at the end of the 2022-23 season.
Former Reds favourite Michael Edwards also recently declined the chance to return to Anfield following an approach from FSG president Mike Gordon.
West Ham's Tim Steidten has been linked with becoming the new Liverpool sporting director (Getty Images)Liverpool are yet to begin the formal process behind their search for Klopp's successor - though it's clear Xabi Alonso is among the top candidates for the role.
Speaking to Sky Germany earlier this week, Steidten said: "I've heard that I am supposed to be on the list at Liverpool. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so it's an honour. But so far nobody from Liverpool has contacted me.
"I generally feel very comfortable at West Ham. I quickly realised how intense this league is. Accordingly, we signed the right players in the last transfer windows. The squad is strong, so we can achieve our goals.
"I am looking forward to the next few weeks and months until the end of the season. Of course, we are already planning the next window [at West Ham]. What happens in the future, we will see."
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