Man Utd could beat Liverpool to transfer target in huge blow to bitter rivals but it depends on takeover
MANCHESTER UNITED could nab transfer guru Paul Mitchell from under Liverpool's noses... if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys the club.
Recruitment expert Mitchell, 41, is leaving his position as sporting director at AS Monaco at the end of the season.
Liverpool have explored the prospect of bringing Mitchell to Anfield, according to the .
However, the same source suggests the Reds could face competition from United, who may also choose to target the mastermind.
That's if the Ratcliffe-led consortium is successful in its bid to buy the Red Devils.
Mitchell is claimed to have been touted for an Old Trafford role should Ratcliffe and Co fight off rival interest from Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.
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US hedge fund Elliott Management have also made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.
Ratcliffe's INEOS group are said to already have an idea as to what their potential structure at the club will be.
It's not yet clear, however, what exact role Mitchell has been identified for at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile at Anfield, current sporting director Julian Ward is set to step down this summer, just a year after taking over from Michael Edwards.
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Mitchell has been linked with taking the hot seat in what is expected to be a busy summer for Jurgen Klopp and Co.
But a successful Ratcliffe takeover at Old Trafford could see the Red Devils beat Liverpool to the acquisition.
"I loved my experience at this club. I have always felt a lot of support from President Dmitry Rybolovlev and the Principality.
"But I have spent a lot of time away from home and my loved ones in recent years. I feel that the mission I had, which was to rebuild the sports project, has been fulfilled."