Sir Jim Ratcliffe will target former Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards to aid his rebuild of Manchester United.
Ratcliffe remains in negotiations over a minority acquisition of Manchester United that will see the British billionaire purchase 25% of the club from the Glazer family.
Under the terms of the deal, Ratcliffe will take charge of football operations at Old Trafford and a restructure at the top has already began, after the news that chief executive Richard Arnold is leaving his role.
Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards is understood to be admired by Ratcliffe’s INEOS group, according to the Independent, following his successful spell with the Merseyside outfit.
Edwards forged a reputation as one of the best recruiters and negotiators in the business during his time with the Reds, a period which saw him lead the signings of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Andy Robertson among others, while bringing in large profits for unwanted assets such as Dominic Solanke and Rhian Brewster.
The data-driven and analytical approach to recruitment could aid Manchester United’s rebuild, with the Red Devils having endured a patchy recent record in the market, including the signings of Jadon Sancho and Antony for big-money fees.
It remains unclear whether Edwards is open to a return to the Premier League after leaving Anfield in 2022, but he is said to be on Manchester United’s shortlist of potential options.
The club’s candidates also include Crystal Palace chief Dougie Freedman, Monaco’s Paul Mitchell and ex-AC Milan director Paolo Maldini.
