Jorg Schmadtke is in line to become Liverpool’s new sporting director.
Schmadtke has emerged as the latest candidate to fill the soon-to-be vacant position when Julian Ward prepares to stand down at the end of this season.
Ward’s unexpected departure just 12 months after he succeeded Michael Edwards forced Anfield chiefs to explore an extensive shorlist of candidates.
But Schmadtke is the latest name to be assessed by Jurgen Klopp alongside Reds’ CEO Billy Hogan and Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon.
The 59-year-old enjoyed a lengthy career as a goalkeeper in his native Germany, notably turning out for Fortuna Dusseldorf and Freiburg.
After retiring he held a number of high-ranking administrative positions at Hannover, Koln, Aachen and Wolsburg, whom he only left in February.
Should he be appointed as Ward’s successor, Schmadtke will arrive with a reputation in his homeland for having a no-nonsense approach to the job.