By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

18th Apr, 2023 | 10:29am

Sources: Liverpool in talks with Tim Steidten over sporting director role

Liverpool have held talks with former Bayer Leverkusen transfer chief Tim Steidten as their search for a new sporting director continues, sources have told Football Insider.

The German put clubs across Europe on alert when he brought an end to a three-year stint as squad manager at the BayArena in March.

His lofty reputation owes much to his involvement in Leverkusen’s cut-price signings of Moussa Diaby, Adam Hlozek, Pierro Hincapie and Florian Wirtz, all of whom are expected to command huge fees in the future.

And Liverpool have moved quickly to make contact with the well-regarded 48-year-old as they seek a successor to sporting Julian Ward, who will depart at the end of the season.

Steidten is one of several candidates currently being considered by CEO Billy Hogan and manager Jurgen Klopp, who are leading the Merseyside club’s search.

But Football Insider understands the former midfielder, who represented Werder Bremen II and Seattle Sounders during his player career, is likely to hold talks with several other clubs.

He had previously been targeted by Chelsea following their summer takeover by Todd Boehly and a role may still be open for him at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Weser Kurier last month, Steidten said of his next move: “I’m totally open and haven’t signed with any club yet. I’ve had a lot of conversations over the past few days. Before that, I only spoke to Chelsea FC.

“I feel ready tackling a new project. I have to feel that my word carries weight. It has to be a function in which I can implement and change things. That was the case with Werder and also with Bayer.

“I don’t know yet whether it will be a club again or a multi-club ownership model or something completely different.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool are prepared to re-enter the race to sign Jude Bellingham next season.