Man Utd given free run at transfer guru after Liverpool talks collapse

23 March 2023 , 20:43

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Paul Mitchell has been linked with a move to Liverpool and Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United have been handed a free run to recruit Paul Mitchell - with hopeful new owners INEOS making him their No.1 target to be sporting director.

The 41-year-old has been heavily linked with replacing Julian Ward at Liverpool after he announced he was quitting his role at Ligue 1 side Monaco earlier this week. Liverpool have thrived in the transfer market during Jurgen Klopp's time in charge and help exploratory talks over Mitchell coming in and bolstering their recruitment department.

However, as first reported by the Independent, negotiations between Mitchell and Liverpool will go no further and he is now out of the running to move to Anfield.

Mitchell, a former defender, started his recruitment career at Southampton, before moving onto Tottenham following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino. In February 2018, he was named as the Head of Recruitment and Development at RB Leipzig and helped them enjoy success in the Bundesliga and Europe.

After a two-and-a-half year spell at Monaco, Mitchell confirmed he is set to depart the club once his successor has been appointed and is settled in. This means the Englishman is free to find a new team and his preferred destination is a return to the Premier League.

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INEOS have set out their plans for Manchester United should they be successful in their takeover bid. It is thought They hope Mitchell will be part of their brave new world at Old Trafford.

(VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

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Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is also amongst the contenders to become the next United owner, while there is some concern that the Glazers may not leave and sell up given the potential United have with Erik ten Hag in charge. Some parties interested in taking over have mooted working with the current owners.

INEOS have been able to follow Mitchell's progress down in Monte Carlo closely, as they own French club Nice, just up the Cote d'Azur.

Following his exit from Monaco, Mitchell told Nice Matin: "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."

Kieran King