New Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate could look to form a relationship with Liverpool this summer after previously being employed as a scout at Anfield.
The former Leeds United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur defender has returned to the Riverside as boss three years after ending his playing career at his boyhood club.
Following his retirement, Woodgate was handed a role at Liverpool focusing on continental talent.
"Don't underestimate how useful that period was for him," Ian Harte, who played alongside the 39-year-old at Leeds, told Teesside Live .
"He'll be able to dip into lots of clubs to try and get players. Woody played a key role for Liverpool. There was a time where if you had mentioned any player in Europe, Woody will have known about them.
"It was amazing the knowledge he had and his attention to detail in that role."
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Middlesbrough have been linked with a move for Ryan Kent this summer but Woodgate could also look to the host of talent emerging on Merseyside.
Ki-Jana Hoever, Yasser Larouci, Harry Wilson, Adam Lewis and Bobby Duncan all featured in Liverpool's 6-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Thursday night .
The Riversiders have only added goalkeeper Tomas Mejias to the ranks since Woodgate was appointed. He was signed from Omonia Nikosia on a free transfer.
