Liverpool one of two clubs in the mix for Michael Edwards-linked sporting director

Liverpool and Roma are both eyeing Bournemouth's Richard Hughes as their next sporting director, according to a report. 

Hughes, 44, has attracted admiring glances in recruitment circles for the manner in which he has assembled Bournemouth’s current crop of players.

The Glasgow-born former midfielder turned technical director was responsible for the signings of players like Dominic Solanke and Lloyd Kelly while he previously oversaw the recruitment of Tyrone Mings, Callum Wilson and Nathan Ake. 

Hughes, who grew up in Milan, Italy, also had significant input over the signing of manager Andoni Iraola last summer with Cherries owner Bill Foley previously revealing that he was convinced to move for the Spaniard by his technical director.

As such, the former Arsenal trainee has been linked with teams further up the food chain with Liverpool and Roma now reported to be keen. 

It was first reported that Liverpool were interested in Hughes back in January.

The Reds are looking to replace Jorg Schmadtke as sporting director after the German left his interim role following the January transfer window. 

Roma, too, are looking at a restructure with Tiago Pinto departing his role last month. 

While it’s been reported that Liverpool are keen to bring back Michael Edwards in some capacity, it’s understood that the former Reds’ sporting director is as yet unconvinced about rekindling his relationship with the club. 

Richard Hughes enjoys relationship with Michael Edwards

The report in the Daily Mail adds that Edwards and Hughes enjoy a close relationship and that the former Liverpool man regards Hughes as a savvy operator in the transfer market. 

Bournemouth are said to be losing hope that Hughes will be in place next season and would prefer him to move overseas if he were to go. 

Having previously worked under Eddie Howe, it is also thought that Newcastle could be keen on adding Hughes to their off-field team.

Liverpool, without a sporting director and with Jurgen Klopp leaving his role as manager at the end of the season, are nonetheless pressing on with plans to sign players over the course of the next transfer window. 

Dave Fallows, head of recruitment and Barry Hunter, chief scout, are reported to be leading the recruitment drive for summer 2024. 

Anfield Watch understands that defence will be the priority area for strengthening this summer, with the likes of Goncalo Inacio (Sporting CP) and Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen) being monitored.