Liverpool remain hopeful former director Edwards WILL return to the club

Liverpool have not given up on bringing former sport director Michael Edwards back to the club in a different capacity.

The Carabao Cup winners face a summer of change with manager Jurgen Klopp leaving and sport director Jorg Schmadtke following his compatriot out of the door.

Discussions regarding replacements have been ongoing since the end of November but, as Mail Sport reported last month, the club's owners are mindful about the importance of maintaining continuity and an identity that has served them so well during Klopp's tenure.

With that in mind, Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group, made an approach to Edwards at the end of January to discuss his possible return.

Edwards, who left his role as sport director in 2022, has made it clear he does NOT wish to return to a similar role and politely declined Liverpool's approach.

However, despite the initial setback, the Anfield club have not given up hope and are continuing to assess how they could restructure their set-up and find a more exciting challenge for Edwards within their group.

They are also continuing the process to find a new sport director as well as the manager, though it would be hoped, Edwards would play a part in that selection.

Since leaving Liverpool, the 44-year-old has had interest from Manchester United and Chelsea - who were keen to discuss a more general position - and it would need to be a more dynamic remit to tempt Edwards back.

Edwards took a break following his departure from Liverpool but has teamed up with the club's former research guru Ian Graham to launch a data advisory company Ludonautics, who are advising clubs such as Bolton Wanderers regarding recruitment.

After making such a success of his first period at the