Louis van Gaal is in line for a senior managerial role at Liverpool. The Dutchman was linked with a move to Liverpool in the wake of Damien Comolli’s dismissal as director of football in April.

However, while it has since been decided to change the management structure at Liverpool, Van Gaal has remained under consideration for a revised role and is the leading contender to become the club’s first sporting director.

He is understood to be keen on a move to Merseyside and his appointment could herald the arrival of several new faces at Anfield, including the successor to Kenny Dalglish.

Fenway Sports Group are looking for a new manager who would fit alongside a sporting director of Van Gaal’s experience and expertise. He has won league titles in four countries, plus the Champions League with Ajax. Former Chelsea manager, Andre Villas-Boas and Roberto Martinez of Wigan Athletic are among several candidates for the Liverpool manager’s post and whoever is chosen will, it seems, have to accept working with the 60-year-old Dutchman.