Liverpool plan talks with transfer guru but Man Utd takeover could stop deal

23 March 2023 , 14:59

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Liverpool plan talks with transfer guru but Man Utd takeover could stop deal

Liverpool have set their sights on recruitment guru Paul Mitchell, but could face competition from Manchester United.

The Reds have previously thrived in the transfer market during the Jurgen Klopp era and are set to undergo a change of personnel in that area of the club. Michael Edwards played a crucial role in Liverpool's recruitment but has since left whilst his replacement, Julian Ward, will soon follow.

Mitchell has now been identified as the ideal man to come in and lead, what is expected to be, a busy summer of recruitment at Anfield as the club look to refresh their side. United though are ready to compete for his services should Sir Jim Ratcliffe become their new owner.

There is currently an ownership race going on at Old Trafford, which could yet end with the Glazers staying in charge. Ratcliffe is among the men looking to take over however and the Ineos chief has outlined a plan of how the club's off-field structure would look - and wants to have Mitchell at its core, reports the Independent.

Mitchell will leave Monaco this summer, where he's enjoyed notable success in recent years. The Englishman has also worked previously at Leipzig and Tottenham with his stock incredibly high around Europe.

Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash

He's told Nice Matin on his decision: “Yes, it was a very difficult decision. I loved my experience at this club. I have always felt a lot of support from President Dmitry Rybolovlev and the Principality. But I have spent a lot of time away from home and my loved ones in recent years. I feel that the mission I had, which was to rebuild the sports project, has been fulfilled.”

Paul Mitchell will be on the market when he leaves Monaco (VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool are set to pursue several midfielders this summer having opted against doing so last year. Jude Bellingham is heavily linked, but the Borussia Dortmund star is on the radar of several clubs - some of whom have more financial power than the Reds.

United's recruitment has, for years, let them down with individuals making decisions without any serious prior experience. Erik ten Hag's rebuild is underway, but still has someway to go as they look to bolster their ranks with a marquee No 9 once the market opens again.

Back in 2018, when Mitchell was touted with a role at Old Trafford, he told The Sun : "Manchester United are recognised for being one of the biggest clubs in the world. So any link with a club of that size, history and status is very flattering and I am a Manchester boy. There hasn't been any contact with United at this moment, for me it's always about focusing on the job in hand."

Samuel Meade