Here are your Liverpool morning headlines for Wednesday, February 8.
Julian Ward linked to top Ajax job but Liverpool 'clause' poses problem
Liverpool's departing sporting director Julian Ward has reportedly been identified as a candidate for one of the top jobs in Dutch football.
Ward is set to leave his post at Anfield at the end of the season, but until now there has been no indication of where he could land next. But according to the Netherlands paper De Telegraaf, he is a 'strong candidate' to become the new technical director at renowned Amsterdam club Ajax.
Liverpool made a surprise announcement in November when it emerged that Ward, who has been with the Reds for over 10 years in various roles, would be leaving the club altogether next summer, despite only replacing Michael Edwards as sporting director at the end of last season.
READ MORE: Cody Gakpo lifts lid on Jurgen Klopp 'conversation' and hints at Liverpool position change
The Dutch media report says: "Ajax is giving full throttle in the search for a new director of football affairs to succeed Marc Overmars. He must be able to get started on July 1 at the latest"
But that stated deadline poses a potential problem for both Ajax and Ward, if he is interested in taking up the position. It's understood by the ECHO that Ward will be unable to join another club for the next 12 months following his exit.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
Ronald Koeman explains what's making life difficult for Cody Gakpo at Liverpool
Former Everton boss Ronald Koeman has explained why he thinks Cody Gakpo is struggling at Liverpool.
The Reds signed the forward from PSV Eindhoven in the January transfer window. An initial fee of £37m was agreed, within add-ons potentially taking the deal to in excess of £40m.
So far, Gakpo has made six appearances in a Liverpool shirt. The Netherlands international is yet to score a goal or register an assist, which has led to some criticism in certain quarters.
Gakpo has been used in multiple positions in his early days at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp has utilised the 23-year-old as a left-winger and a as a centre-forward on various occasions.
Prior to moving to Merseyside, Gakpo had scored 13 goals and provided 17 assists in 24 appearances for PSV. And now Koeman, who was recently appointed as the new coach of the Netherlands national team, has given his verdict on Gakpo’s move to Liverpool.
Speaking on a Youtube channel hosted by ex-Everton winger Andy van der Meyde, Koeman said: “The level in England is higher than in the Netherlands, but they are also young boys, aren't they?
“Like (Ryan) Gravenberch going to Bayern (Munich) and not playing. Then that is difficult.”
READ THE FULL STORY HERE.
READ NEXT:
- 'What we’re seeing' - FSG handed potential boost in Liverpool investment search
- FSG bombshell decision in November has split Liverpool fanbase more than ever
- The curious case of Curtis Jones as Liverpool 'transition' leaving him behind
- Liverpool's spine has been ripped out and Jurgen Klopp was powerless to stop it
- Liverpool win left Arsenal 'f*****g embarrassed' and led to unusual club statement
