Liverpool face the prospect of losing Michael Edwards as sporting director - but a potential succession plan may already be in place.
Reports emerged this morning suggesting Edwards has told FSG he intends to leave Anfield at the end of the season.
His contract expires next year and the ECHO understands talks are ongoing to try and extend it.
Edwards staying put is still the desired outcome for Liverpool.
But according to the Athletic, he is "expected to step down" as things stand.
READ MORE: Live updates on the Michael Edwards situation
Should Edwards depart to pursue a new challenge then the Reds would have a senior vacancy to fill.
And the name of Julian Ward would likely be part of discussions in those circumstances.
Ward has been in the Liverpool setup for more than eight years, spending most of the last five coordinating loan switches for some of the club's youngsters.
Last December, he was promoted from his previous role of loan and pathways manager to become assistant sporting director.
As the ECHO reported at the time, Liverpool were keen to recognise the outstanding performance of Ward as part of Jurgen Klopp's backroom staff.
Edwards, alongside Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon, were understood to be key figures in ensuring Ward was rewarded with the promotion.
The newly-created position saw Ward begin to work even more closely with Edwards in the recruitment department.
Ward moved to Liverpool from Manchester City in 2012 and worked within the scouting team for three years before the pathways role emerged.
Aintree-born Ward, who did a Masters degree at the University of Ulster, previously worked for Preston North End and the Football Association before a two-year stint as City's South American scout.
At the end of last year Liverpool's head of football projects, David Woodfine, moved into Ward's previous pathways and loans role as part of a significant reshuffle behind the scenes.
