United are in the middle of upgrading their recruitment, led by football director John Murtough. And many sources claim that Edwards is interested in Old Trafford’s new regime as they continue to review their transfer team. Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in former Liverpool transfer guru Michael Edwards (left) – pictured next to Jürgen Klopp and FSG president Mike Gordon (right) Chelsea owner Todd Boehly (left, right) is thought to have explored the possibility of appointing Edwards to a senior position, while the Glazer family (right) wants to bring the former Liverpool player to United as they continue to review their transfer team. Whether Edwards is open to joining United, given his ties to big rival Liverpool, remains to be seen. But it is not difficult to understand why United are attracted to Edwards given the huge success they had at Anfield. He joined Liverpool in 2011 as head of analytics before a series of promotions finally saw him take on the role of sporting director. Edwards became a key figure in turning the club into a Premier League and European champions thanks to his signatures. Allison, Virgil Van Dyke, Mohamed Salah, Santio Mane, Andy Robertson, Thiago and Fambino are among the many players who have played a key role in bringing him to Anfield. Equally impressive were some of the fees he secured from player sales, including 14 146m for Philippe Coutinho. Edwards helped turn Liverpool into a Premier League and European champions Edwards helped bring in players such as Mo Salah (left) and Andy Robertson (right) at Anfield. Where Edwards, given his know-how, experience and potentially high salary, will be placed in the United recruitment structure creates an interesting situation given Murtough’s role as head of department. For now, United are focusing on strengthening their squad for next season, with Murtough leading the way – with Frenkie de Jong and Pau Torres among the club’s radar players. However, while the addition to the club’s recruitment team is not considered imminent, there is a backstage assumption that United are constantly exploring the football landscape in search of improvements. United have made a number of changes to their off-field operations since last year, including the appointment of Richard Arnold as CEO, replacing Ed Woodward as its chief executive. Fambino (left), Virgil Van Dyke (center right) and Santio Mane (right) are among the many players who have played a key role in bringing him to Anfield. Edwards also secured a lot of money from player sales, including 14 146m for Philippe Coutinho Most recently, Andy O’Boyle was appointed United manager of the Football Association, providing support to Murtough – who gave him this new role last March – to lead “the club’s football strategy across the first team, academy and women’s team “. Aside from Edwards, it is understandable that Brentford’s recruiting director Lee Dicks and Middlesbrough’s football boss Kieron Scott also have fans at Old Trafford. However, United are not the only top club interested in Edwards after Chelsea approached the former Liverpool boss to become their next sporting director. It is understood that the new owners of Chelsea, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, have been considering the possibility of appointing Edwards to a senior position after the confirmation of the departure of the long-term manager Marina Granovskaia, who controlled the negotiations for the transfer of the club. Similarly, Sportsmail has learned that Edwards attracted interest from Ajax earlier this year following the departure of Mark Overmars. Chelsea have approached Edwards to become their next sporting director However, Edwards seems to be reluctant to make such a quick return to football after leaving Liverpool this summer, initially with the intention of taking a break from the game. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will revive their interest, given Edwards’ initial concern. In addition to Edwards, Chelsea have also been linked with Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta, while former Barcelona technical secretary Ramon Plains, Monaco’s transfer manager Paul Mitchell and former HB manager Steven H also to appear as the first candidates. The prospect of Michael Emenalo, who left Chelsea’s technical director in 2017, returning to Stamford Bridge also should not be overlooked. Edwards (right) is considered hesitant to make such a quick comeback to football For now, new co-owner Todd Boehly will take on the role of interim sporting director as the club considers his options. Sources close to the club said that the practical US tycoon has dropped his role, so much so that the club is in no hurry to appoint a full-time sports director. Granovskaia is the last high-profile departure from Chelsea after the acquisition of Boehly-Clearlake Capital for £ 4.25 billion, although it will remain at the club’s disposal for the rest of the summer transfer window. Boehly has also been appointed the new president of Chelsea.
