Liverpool are ‘considering two new names for their sporting director role’… with the Reds ‘set to fill the key position BEFORE deciding on Jurgen Klopp’s successor’

Liverpool have reportedly identified two new candidates to be their next sporting director.

The position is currently vacant at Anfield after Jorg Schmadtke left his role at the end of the January transfer window, and the Reds have begun their search for his replacement.

Having had three different sporting directors since Michael Edwards departed in 2022 after 11 years at the club, Liverpool are looking for a longer term option this time around.

Liverpool are considering former AC Milan director of football Frederic Massara and Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi, according to The Athletic.

Massara, who also previously worked at Roma, is on gardening leave, making him an attractive option for Liverpool due to his immediate availability.

He played a key role in the club signing star winger Rafael Leao (centre) from Lille

Liverpool also admire Nice sporting director Florent Ghisolfi (pictured) and could make a move for him

He was named Sporting Director of the Year alongside Paolo Maldini at the 2022 Globe Soccer Awards after Milan won their first Serie A title since 2011 earlier that year.

Massara played a key role in signing Rafael Leao and Fikayo Tomori, who have both flourished at the San Siro in recent years. 

Ghisolfi is also admired by Liverpool owners FSG, but would be a more difficult target to land.

Nice are owned by INEOS, who now have a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment, and the Ligue 1 club are likely to fight to keep Ghisolfi.

Ghisolfi has been at Nice since October 2022, and has been praised for his recruitment as well as his handling of tricky situations such as managerial changes, with Nice having three different coaches since his appointment.

Nice are currently…