Liverpool's 'first choice' sporting director target already knows next club

Liverpool-linked technical director Richard Hughes has already decided on his next move after it was announced that he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.

Hughes, who has been an integral part of Cherries' setup for the past decade, is widely admired for his work behind the scenes and has been linked with several top clubs, including Liverpool.

The 44-year-old former midfielder, who made over 150 appearances for Bournemouth during his playing career, transitioned to the club's recruitment team in 2014, eventually rising to a prominent role in the boardroom.

Hughes 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 and had significant input over the arrival of manager Andoni Iraola last summer.

Liverpool's interest in Hughes was first reported back in January, as they seek a replacement for the recently departed interim sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.

According to The Times, Liverpool "admire the work" of Hughes and remain interested in appointing him this summer.

Intriguingly, it is added that Hughes "has already decided which club he will be at next season".

The same report also makes note of interest in the transfer chief from both Roma and Newcastle. However, journalist Ben Jacobs has since claimed that the two previously linked clubs are not in the running for Hughes, potentially giving Liverpool a free run.

Meanwhile, Gianluca Di Marzio has named Hughes as Liverpool's 'first choice' target.

Hughes move linked to Edwards return?

There is a question about what title and role exactly Hughes could be offered at Liverpool, if he really is a top target, and whether a move would be tied to one for popular former sporting director Michael Edwards.

Hughes is known to be close to Edwards from their days together at Portsmouth and it has been speculated that he could be brought in to work under the former Reds recruitment chief if he were to return to Anfield.

The Times' piece notes that Liverpool's FSG owners are still planning to speak to Edwards about a returning to the club "in some capacity other than the position of sporting director". It is added that Edwards rates the Bournemouth transfer chief "highly".

Meanwhile, David Ornstein told a Q&A on the Athletic a move for Hughes "might only be plausible if Edwards was returning."

Edwards has reportedly already rebuffed one approach from Liverpool, while it has been said that he would only consider a return in a more senior role.