Liverpool turn to baseball guru to help find Jurgen Klopp successor as Reds appoint three-time World Series mastermind - and ex-Boston Red Sox CEO - Theo Epstein as senior advisor

Liverpool have appointed Epstein as their new special advisor as they start the hunt for Klopp's replacement following his announcement that he will depart at the end of the season. He is a minority owner in Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Reds, and has been a remarkable success in baseball. He became world famous for breaking two of the longest World Series droughts; he took the Boston Red Sox to their first title in 86 years and the Chicago Cubs to their first in 108 years.

Quoted by the Daily Mirror, he said: "I am thrilled and honoured to return to FSG. This is truly a unique opportunity for me - a chance to partner with people who mean a lot to me; a chance to challenge myself in new arenas; and a chance to use my experience and perspective to help others succeed and win at the highest level.

"FSG is a dynamic, groundbreaking organisation with an incredible track record of accomplishment across sports. The special connection I feel toward this organisation and the ownership group has stayed with me through the years. I am proud and humbled to return as a minority owner and adviser.

"In this role, I will not be the one making decisions; rather, I’ll be the one asking questions, offering opinions, building trust, and supporting the terrific people at FSG to help us reach new heights."

Liverpool have alrady been linked with a clutch of managers to potentially replace Klopp. Ex-midfielder Xabi Alonso appears to be the favourite, given his incredible run at Bayer Leverkusen, while there is also said to be interest in both Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting's Ruben Amorim.

It remains to be seen how much power Epstein will wield at Anfield but he will aim to produce a shortlist for Klopp's replacement. In the meantime, the Reds are top of the Premier League, five points clear of Manchester City, although Pep Guardiola's side have a game in hand.