Man Utd 'well placed' to bring in 'fantastic' former Liverpool man, would be an outstanding signing

Manchester United are 'well placed' to complete the appointment of ex-Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards, according to reports.

Edwards developed a reputation as one of the top recruitment chiefs in the world throughout his time at Anfield, and was a driving force behind deals to bring in the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Mohamed Salah.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp described Edwards and his team as 'fantastic' when Liverpool completed the signing of Takumi Minamino in 2020. Whilst that deal didn't quite work out, it is fair to say that some of Edwards' transfer dealings completely revolutionised Liverpool.

The 43-year-old has a background in analytics, and was technical director at Anfield until his appointment as sporting director in 2016.

He announced his departure from the club last summer, to be succeeded by his deputy, Julian Ward. Ward has since confirmed that he himself will leave the post at the end of the season, which has led to rumours that Edwards could make a return.

However, he has also been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, despite the 43-year-old currently being on a sabbatical from football.

And it appears that another major footballing giant has joined the race for his services.

Man Utd keen on signing Edwards

According to Football Insider, Man Utd have submitted a 'hugely attractive offer' to Edwards in an attempt to bring him to Old Trafford.

Any move, however, is likely to be completed at the end of the season - and the same source also claims that a return to Liverpool for Edwards is 'not a realistic possibility'.

Should the Red Devils convince the 43-year-old to join, he would become the club's new sporting director.

This would represent a change of strategy for United, with John Murtough currently acting as the club's first director of football. He was appointed last year.

Ralf Rangnick, who had experience as a sporting director before joining United as interim boss last season, was due to become an advisor before his surprise departure following the end of his temporary spell in charge.

The appointment of Edwards would be welcomed by Red Devils fans, with the move set to realign the club's ambitions in the transfer market.

In addition, it is claimed the move would not be affected by any uncertainty over the future ownership of United, with the club currently exploring 'strategic alternatives'.