Liverpool could get Manu Kone transfer boost with Jorg Schmadtke's son in line for new sporting director role

The son of new Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is in contention for a similar role at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Liverpool confirmed Schmadtke as their new sporting director earlier this week; the German succeeding Julian Ward in the job.

The former goalkeeper has joined the Reds following a spell of more than four years in the same role with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, who he left at the beginning of 2023.

Schmadtke has been tasked with overseeing a hugely important transfer window for Liverpool after a disappointing season on the pitch.

The Merseyside club are expected to make a number of new signings, including several midfielders.

Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and have also been linked with Nice's Khephren Thuram - the son of legendary France international Lilian Thuram - and Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone.

Liverpool could get Manu Kone advantage

Liverpool could be handed an unexpected advantage in any future negotiations for Kone, with Schmadtke's son, Nils, reportedly in contention to become Monchengladbach's new sports director.

According to German outlet Kicker, former Monchengladbach scout Nils Schmadtke is in line to return to the club this summer in a senior role.

While it is claimed that his exact job title is yet to be decided, he could be named sports director - one level below managing director of sport, Roland Virkus.

Schmadtke was previously employed by Monchengladbach in their scouting department from April 2019 to May 2020.

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Before that, he had also worked as a scout for Cologne and, after leaving Gladbach, had taken over management of the scouting department at Wolfsburg.

Should he return to Monchengladbach, it could play into the hands of Liverpool.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool have already held talks over signing Kone this summer.

It is claimed that Gladbach value Kone at between €35-40m (£30-£34m) and are "prepared to let him leave" should they receive a suitable offer.