Michael Edwards 'close' to making sensational Liverpool return

Journalist David Ornstein has revealed that Michael Edwards is "close" to a return to Liverpool and that Richard Hughes is likely to become the club's new sporting director. 

Recent reports have suggested that Liverpool have been in contact with former Liverpool sporting director Edwards about coming back to the club in a senior role.

Face-to-face talks reportedly took place between Edwards and Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group and Ornstein has now revealed that a deal is close to being agreed.

Writing for The Athletic, Ornstein states: "Michael Edwards is close to agreeing a senior role with Fenway Sports Group, which would include the former Liverpool executive taking oversight of the club’s football operations."

If Edwards is to officially confirm his return to Liverpool, he would be given a more significant role at the club than the title of sporting director, allowing him greater control over different departments - including finance, recruitment and analytics.

Edwards would then appoint a sporting director to work below him, with Ornstein claiming that former Bournemouth chief Richard Hughes would occupy that role.

Hughes recently announced his departure from the Vitality Stadium at the end of the current season and is someone who is well-respected by Edwards.

While Hughes had been touted as a potential new sporting director at Liverpool for some time, the club will likely only appoint the 44-year-old if Edwards returns.

Ornstein does state that no deal has been struck yet, but "discussions are progressing and it is anticipated a definitive resolution will be reached early next week."

Liverpool have been desperate to sort out the club's future behind the scenes since Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to leave the club, thus allowing them to prioritise their search for a new manager.

Xabi Alonso is still the ideal candidate for the Reds, with Liverpool searching for "a young manager who has overachieved with the resources at his disposal and has a record of developing young talent."

Ornstein's update is hugely significant for Liverpool moving forward and is likely to get plenty of supporters excited given Edwards' track record when previously employed by the Reds.