Jorg Schmadtke has already shown Liverpool why he is exactly what they need amid sporting director talks

Former Wolfsburg sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is reportedly in talks with Liverpool over taking the same role at Anfield - and he has already showcased his prowess in the transfer market.

The Reds have been searching for a new transfer chief since Julian Ward announced in November that he would be leaving his role at the end of the season.

He then opened talks with Ajax over taking a senior position at the Dutch giants, but The Athletic reported in March that he turned down a move to the Netherlands.

Ward had been in his current role at Liverpool for just five months at the time of his announcement, having taken over from previous incumbent Michael Edwards.

But his decision to depart at the end of the season has at least given the Reds some time to find his replacement - and they are now reportedly in talks with one of Germany's top transfer gurus.

Liverpool 'in talks with Schmadtke'

According to BBC Sport, Liverpool are in discussions with Schmadtke over replacing Ward, with the 59-year-old former goalkeeper most recently on Wolfsburg's books.

But he left the role in February, meaning the Reds would not need to pay compensation to the German side in order to make an appointment.

He joined Wolfsburg in 2018, spending four-and-a-half years there - and the calibre and profile of his signings has showcased to Jurgen Klopp's side that he can do a successful job at Anfield.

In 2020, the German giants completed a deal to sign French defender Maxence Lacroix from Ligue 2 side Sochaux. Now 22, 6ft 3in Lacroix, who is one of the most powerful defenders in world football, is an almost ever-present in a side pushing for European football.

In the 2020/21 season, only one player under the age of 21 in Europe's top five leagues, as per WhoScored, made more interceptions than the Frenchman, and he has earned comparisons to Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.

Former Manchester City starlet Felix Nmecha signed for the club last summer, and has three goals and four assists to his name this term. Wolfsburg also has his brother and fellow ex-City forward Lukas on the books, although he has spent much of the season injured.

But it is this season's summer transfers that have caught the eye. All seven of Wolfsburg's permanent signings were 23 years of age or under when they signed.

They include winger Patrick Wimmer, signed from fellow German club Arminia Bielefeld for just €5 million. The 21-year-old has four goals and six assists in just 21 league appearances.

Polish midfielder Jakub Kaminski, 20, has played in 27 games this term, scoring twice.

Schmadtke's transfer strategy is therefore clear, and if he can produce similar results at Liverpool - buying quality young players from across Europe for small fees, as well as the likely bigger budget signings - he will surely be a successful appointment.