Mark Burchill primed for key Liverpool role in new Anfield era as ex Celtic striker targeted by Richard Hughes

Former Celtic star Mark Burchill is set to become Richard Hughes' first capture as Liverpool sporting director.

The Scot is being poached from Bournemouth in order to lead the Anfield club's hunt for Jurgen Klopp's successor, as well as oversee the footballing department for the six-time European champions. And he will turn to a familiar face in order to bolster his recruitment team. Hughes and Burchill are former teammates, having played together at Portsmouth, and teamed up again on the South Coast with the Cherries, with Burchill their chief scout.

Now the ex-Hearts, Dunfermline, Kilmarnock and Livingston hitman is closing in on a switch to Liverpool to spot talent for the Premier League title contenders. He briefly dipped his two in the management pool in charge of Livi in 2014-15, but has since operated in lower profile scouting and recruitment roles behind the scenes. And he's clearly impressed enough for Hughes to headhunt him for im for the biggest role of his career to date.

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