Chelsea Face Competition From Man Utd For Departing Liverpool Chief

Chelsea are considering making Liverpool's outgoing chief Michael Edwards their new sporting director but face competition, according to reports.

Edwards was confirmed to be leaving Anfield at the end of the 2021/22 campaign after the Club released a statement back in November announcing his departure.

"Liverpool Football Club has today announced future changes to the structure of its football operations leadership, with the news that Michael Edwards will step down as sporting director at the end of this season," a statement read.

"The 42-year-old has given notice to the club’s ownership of his wish to pursue a new challenge when his contract ends, allowing for a carefully managed and orderly transition to take place."

Edwards' role has been instrumental to the success they have endured under Jurgen Klopp.

Having joined from Spurs in 2011 to become head of performance and analysis, he was promoted to sporting director in 2016 following a spell as technical director which saw him play a key role in appointing Klopp.

The 42-year-old brought in the likes of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Alisson. He also managed to sell Philippe Coutinho for £146 million to Barcelona.

Now he is a man in demand, according to several reports.

Chelsea are on the hunt for a new sporting director after director Marina Granovskaia's exit was confirmed as co-controlling owner Todd Boehly confirmed the Club's new board.

Boehly is currently the sporting director on an interim basis, but a full-time replacement is being targeted.

Petr Cech, the current Performance and Technical advisor, is currently holding talks with Boehly over his future at Stamford Bridge.

Edwards is among the options being considered by Chelsea but they face competition from Manchester United who are also interested, but it's claimed by ESPN that a move to Old Trafford is unlikely.

Ajax and AS Monaco have been linked, but a move to Chelsea is reported to hold 'great appeal' to Edwards.

Boehly wants Edwards to head up the restructuring of the technical department.

It has previously been reported that Atletico Madrid’s sporting director Andrea Berta could also be among the options considered.

Chelsea are in no major rush, according to the Daily Mail, to appoint a full-time sporting director after Boehly, who is also the Chairman, appointed himself on an interim basis.

Boehly shared his hopes for Chelsea following the £4.25 billion takeover after announcing the new nine-person board.

"As custodians of Chelsea FC, we now begin executing our long-term vision and plan for the Club, creating an outstanding experience for its passionate, loyal fans, and continuing to challenge for top honours in line with Chelsea FC's decorated history.

"Working together, side-by-side, we are firmly committed to winning, both on and off the pitch. For us, that effort has begun."