Liverpool are reportedly not interested in appointing Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director, which could lead to Manchester United launching a move.
The Reds are on the lookout for a replacement for current incumbent Julian Ward, who announced in December that he would be leaving his post at the end of the season.
Ward, who has spent many years at Anfield in different roles, succeeded Michael Edwards at the conclusion of last season. He has been linked with taking up a similar position at Eredivisie giants Ajax, although the Dutch club have denied knowledge of any agreement.
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Mitchell, who is currently the sporting director of Ligue 1 side Monaco, is a highly regarded figure within the world of player recruitment, having previously held roles at Tottenham and Southampton.
At both clubs, he worked alongside Mauricio Pochettino, and helped to seal moves to Spurs for the likes of Dele Alli, Son Heung-Min and Toby Alderweireld. He also held a recruitment role at RB Leipzig.
Mitchell confirmed he would be leaving Monaco at the end of the season earlier this week, and reports from France claimed that Liverpool were in talks with the 41-year-old, who played for MK Dons and Wigan as a defender and midfielder.
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However, the Liverpool Echo now report their understanding that Mitchell is not in the running to take over from Ward at Anfield - which could prove to be a major boost for United.
Man Utd handed boost in Mitchell pursuit
Mitchell grew up in Denton, Greater Manchester, and has been linked with taking up a recruitment role at Old Trafford on a number of occasions.
In an interview with Sky Sports in August, he said of United: "I think we've seen that both Manchester City and Liverpool, when you adopt that long-term strategy you can get real consistency and sustainable success.
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"I think that's the biggest thing for Manchester United: putting down their identity of what they want to be today, but most crucially what they want to be in five years' time, and where they want to be, and what they want to look like; from everything from young players, to the style of play, to the whole culture peace in Manchester United."
It is hard to disagree with the view that Erik ten Hag has made some strides in these areas since being appointed manager last year - and Mitchell could come in and advance the club even further.
In addition, according to The Independent, Mitchell has been 'earmarked' for a role in the football structure at United if the takeover bid from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos proves to be successful.
The same report also claims that Liverpool held 'exploratory talks' with the 41-year-old and are now out of the running.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / Mark Pain/Alamy Live NewsTopics: Manchester United, Liverpool, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag