Richard Hughes eyeing COLOSSAL Liverpool target against AC Milan in the Champions League

Richard Hughes' start to life at Liverpool has been one filled with mixed opinions. 

Hughes became the Reds sporting director in June this year and oversaw the summer transfer window. 

The former Scotland international came under fire due to the lack of signings that were made and the failure to fill the vacant number 6 role.  

Read more: Trent Alexander-Arnold makes major contract decision amid Madrid transfer rumours 

Since then, Liverpool have been focusing on the domestic season and with AC Milan in the Champions League tonight, Hughes will be keeping an eye on the performance of one Milan player. 

Hughes was born in Glasgow, but actually raised in Milan and during his earlier years was captivated by Italian football, around the time Milan were dominating in the 1980's and 1990's. 

His playing career started in the Atalanta youth set-up learning tactical knowledge under the guidance of Cesare Pandelli which moulded his footballing vision. 

His deep understanding of Serie A football has shown to be incredibly instrumental, seen through the signing of Federico Chiesa from Juventus this year. 

Why Richard Hughes will be keeping a close eye on Strahinja Pavlovic

The Reds face AC Milan this evening hoping to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Nottingham Forest at the weekend. 

Hughes himself however will be keeping a close watch of Strahinja Pavlovic. The Serbian centre-half has previously been linked with Liverpool and just made the switch to Milan this summer. 

He even chose the number 31, which was Jaap Stam’s old number at the club. The young defender drew similarities between himself and Stam as the reason for doing this which will excite supporters. 

Hughes will be itching to see what the 23-year-old can produce, and with the ongoing saga surrounding Virgil van Dijk’s contract, the sporting director could see Pavlovic as the perfect replacement.

Hughes will be hoping his experience acts as a bridge between Liverpool's needs and gaining young European talent, using his education to hopefully navigate the club to further glory.