Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed the club's search for a new sporting director is "going in the right direction".
Liverpool's current sporting director Julian Ward will step down from his position in the summer after just one season in charge of their transfer business. Ward was promoted from the deputy role last summer to replace the hugely successful Michael Edwards.
Ward announced his decision in November, forcing Liverpool to plan for the future. It's important the Merseyside club get this decision right, as the Reds will need to have a strong summer in the transfer market if they are to compete for silverware next season.
Liverpool are enduring a difficult campaign under Klopp. They are seventh in the Premier League table - nine points behind Manchester United in fourth having played a game more. They also failed to compete in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Yet Klopp is confident Liverpool's hierarchy will find a new sporting director before the summer. He said on Tuesday: "From what I hear it's going in the right direction. Is there any club without a guy in the role of sporting director? Pretty much everyone has one.
"It makes sense. How many clubs have a sporting director these days? I don't know how they did it in the past without one. You need people for that, there's no chance. I am happy with the structure."
What's your thoughts on Liverpool's recruitment policy? Let us know in the comments below!
Liverpool are believed to be considering a number of external candidates for the role, with time running out to find Ward's successor.
Ward was promoted by Liverpool following Edwards' departure as part of a succession plan. Edwards joined Liverpool from Premier League rivals Tottenham in 2011 before eventually becoming their sporting director five years later to start a successful six year spell.
Edwards oversaw the signings of Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Fabinho and Diogo Jota. He also sold a number of players for over the odds - including Rhian Brewster, Dominic Solanke, Philippe Coutinho and Jordon Ibe.
Ward worked alongside Edwards for 18 months before taking the top job. His signings include Cody Gakpo, Fabio Carvalho and Darwin Nunez. He also brought in Arthur Melo, who is yet to make a Premier League appearance, on loan from Juventus.
Liverpool's recruitment since last summer has been criticised, with the club failing to sign a central midfielder on a permanent basis. Klopp admitted at the end of last summer's transfer window: "I know we have had this discussion since it all started and I am the one who said we don’t need a midfielder and I was wrong. That’s the situation."
It's unclear where Ward's long-term future lies. He was offered the chance to fulfil a similar role with Ajax last month and held talks with the Dutch club's CEO Edwin van der Sar, but turned the job down. Ward is expected to take a short break from football.
