Manchester United, Chelsea 'keen on appointing Michael Edwards'

Edwards announced last year that he would step down from his role at Anfield, with the 42-year-old's contract due to expire at the end of June.

"Ten years - that's a pretty long time in anyone's working life. In football terms it is an era in itself, particularly at a club like Liverpool where the expectations and standards are never anything other than as high as the supporters deserve," read an open letter to the Liverpool supporters last year.

"To be part of this club during this period has been a privilege due to the people I have been fortunate enough to work with and the success we have enjoyed. But all good things must come to an end and, in my case, I recently completed my final summer window as Liverpool sporting director.

"Even writing those words seems a bit surreal, but at the end of this season I will pack up my laptop and leave my office at the AXA Training Centre for the last time."

Edwards, who will be replaced by deputy sporting director Julian Ward, made the move to the Reds in November 2011 and has played a leading role in their recruitment in recent years.

Liverpool's owners are believed to have made a number of attempts to convince Edwards to extend his contract, but he has decided to seek pastures new at this stage of his career.

The transfer expert played key roles in the signings of the likes of Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Thiago and Fabinho at Anfield.

According to the Daily Mail, both Man United and Chelsea want to keep Edwards in the Premier League, with the former revamping their set-up under football director John Murtough.

The report claims that the 20-time English champions want Edwards to become a key part of their transfer team moving forward.

Chelsea are also believed to have already approached the transfer expert with a view to bringing him to Stamford Bridge under their new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

The Blues confirmed the departure of Marina Granovskaia on Wednesday and are believed to view Edwards as a possible replacement.

The recruitment specialist had allegedly been planning to have a break from football this summer but is now tempted by the challenge of joining Man United or Chelsea.

"I had always planned to cap my time at the club to a maximum of 10 years. I've loved working here, but I am a big believer in change. I think it's good for the individual and, in a work setting, good for the employer too," Edwards continued in his open letter to Liverpool fans last year.

"Over my time here we have changed so many things (hopefully for the better) but someone new brings a different perspective, new ideas and can hopefully build on (or change) the things that have been put in place beforehand.

"That's how I believe businesses/football clubs stay ahead; you need to evolve and at the heart of this kind of process is always people. That evolution has always been central to Liverpool's history and I hope that this is one thing that doesn't change."

Ajax are also believed to be interested in bringing Edwards to Amsterdam this summer.