Speculation that Michael Edwards has been in negotiations over a role at Manchester United have been labelled 'fiction'.
Reports earlier this week had suggested the former Liverpool sporting director - who left the club in the summer after 11 years to be replaced by Julian Ward - was in talks over a role at Old Trafford. However, the claims have been rubbished by Sky Sports' Melissa Reddy.
The 42-year-old decided to quit on his own terms in order to take a sabbatical and spend more time with his family. There were no clauses or conditions of his departure, meaning he is able to undertake a new role wherever and whenever he is ready.
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Edwards has reportedly shunned talks with several of Europe's top clubs, but did hear out a proposal from Chelsea and new owner Todd Boehly, who offered him a more holistic role of 'CEO of Football' according to Reddy. He was thought to be interested in the wider scope of the offer, which would have included recruitment - the responsibility with which he became so respected on Merseyside.
Despite the tempting offer from the Blues, Edwards has stuck with his original commitment to spend more time with close family, rejecting the offer to take over at Stamford Bridge. His break from football is expected to last until the summer, at least.
Edwards played a key role in Liverpool's return to the top of domestic and European football under Jurgen Klopp, taking charge of recruitment within the sporting director remit. While at Anfield, he signed off on the arrivals of the likes of Mohamed Salah - who he had to convince Klopp on, with the Reds boss eyeing Julian Brandt - Andy Robertson, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Fabinho.
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