Michael Edwards has 'rejected' the opportunity to become Chelsea's new sporting director after leaving Liverpool.
The Reds' former transfer chief announced his decision to step away from his Anfield role in November of last year, paving the way for Julian Ward to become his replacement. Edwards took the decision to leave his position at Liverpool on his own terms, turning down the offer of a new contract at the club.
Edward, who first moved to the Reds in November 2011, become a key figure in the Reds' recruitment and helped construct a squad that under Jurgen Klopp has won the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
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It was therefore no surprise that clubs were lining up to secure his services this summer upon his Liverpool exit, with Chelsea, Nice, Newcastle and Real Madrid among the teams said to be interested in hiring the 43-year-old.
Thomas Tuchel's side are the side understood to have made the first official move for the transfer guru, but the Athletic have revealed this approach has fallen at the first hurdle.
Looking to kick-start a new era at Stamford Bridge under new owner Todd Boehly, the Londoners are in the market for a new sporting director following the summer departure of Marina Granovskaia, who oversaw the club's recruitment during the Roman Abramovich era. Boehly is currently leading the way when it comes to identifying targets, working closely alongside Tuchel, and the Reds' rivals have suffered a setback in their search for a new candidate.
Described as a 'leading target' for the club, Edwards reportedly informed Chelsea of his plans to step away from the footballing world and does not view such a career move as being 'on his agenda' at this moment in time.
Melissa Reddy of Sky added in a tweet: "Would have been a surprise had Michael Edwards not turned Chelsea down...he's been adamant over taking a break and spending time with his family. It would take something to "blow the bloody doors off" to get him to a meeting at the moment, let alone consider a new job".
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