"The agreement is imminent..." - Fabrizio Romano reveals Liverpool are finally set to appoint Julian Ward's successor

Liverpool are close to appointing a new sporting director ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.

In November, the Red's current sporting director Julian Ward announced he was leaving the position at the end of the season, just months after officially replacing Michael Edwards in the role.

Ward has since agreed to take up a similar role at Ajax, to help the Dutch giants rebuild after the departure of manager Erik ten Hag and several top players last summer.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have been on the hunt for the 41-year-old’s successor. Speaking at the end of April, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that though he had not been involved in the club’s talks for Ward’s replacement, the search was “going in the right direction".

"I am not involved in the talks," Klopp said at the time. "Maybe the talks around, yes, but I am not the person in the club who can give a real answer on where it stands.

"That is in the hands of other people, but from what I have heard, it is all going in the right direction."

And should reports be believed, Liverpool look set to announce Ward’s replacement.

Jorg Schmadtke to be Liverpool’s new sporting director

According to Romano, Liverpool are “close” to appointing Jorg Schmadtke as their next sporting director.

Schmadtke was a goalkeeper during his playing days before moving into football administration.

Indeed, the German recently held the title of managing director of sport at Wolfsburg for five years before leaving at the start of February.

On the matter, Romano tweeted: “Liverpool are now close to appointing Jorg Schmadtke as [their] new sport director. The agreement is imminent — he has accepted the role.

“[The] former Wolfsburg director will work on the project/new signings together with Jurgen Klopp who will remain crucial in the transfer strategy.”

Liverpool are reportedly set to be busy in the summer's transfer market after a difficult campaign.