Liverpool eye Bournemouth man to fill Jorg Schmadtke sporting director role

Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes is emerging as a candidate to fill the sporting director role at Liverpool this summer.

Following Jurgen Klopp's announcement that he would be departing Liverpool come the end of the season, it was revealed that much of his backroom staff would be also be heading out the door - as well as the club's sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.

Schmadtke was appointed as sporting director last June as a short-term fix to replace Julian Ward, and has held the role ever since - overseeing signings such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo.

However, with his relationship with Klopp being a key reason for his appointment, it comes as no surprise to see Schmadtke depart with his German compatriot.

To fill the void, the Daily Mail are reporting that Hughes is in the running, seen as more of a long-term option to take on the role.

Hughes is regarded as someone well equipped to replace Schmadtke in what will be a new-look structure at Anfield.

A former professional player, having turned out for the likes of Portsmouth and Grimsby, Hughes joined Bournemouth upon his retirement under Eddie Howe before being promoted to technical director.

He has gained acclaim for overseeing the Cherries' recent rise to prominence under Andoni Iraola, who have impressed in the Premier League this season.

The Mail add that Hughes could be intrigued by the chance to make the step up to Liverpool come the end of the season.