Liverpool transfer chief Schmadtke targets Wolfsburg star who’s Bundesliga’s fastest defender

Jorg Schmadtke, Liverpool’s new transfew chief, could raid his former club Wolfsburg with reports suggesting he’s keen on bringing centre-back Micky van de Ven to Anfield as one of his first bits of business.

Liverpool have agreed an initial three-month deal with Schmadtke to replace Julian Ward as sporting director, though he could be announced as a ‘football consutant’.

Whatever the job title, the 59-year-old will work closely with Jurgen Klopp in what looks set to be a crucial transfer window for the Reds.

The midfield overhaul looks set to be his priority, with Liverpool already pursuing Brighton’s Aleix Mac Allister and Chelsea star Mason Mount, while Ryan Gravenberch is reportedly pushing for a move to Merseyside from Bayern Munich,

Liverpool will sit down with Schmadtke after the summer window, at which point they may decide to officially announce him as the club’s sporting director, though they are continuing to search for other options.

Schmadtke has excellent links in Germany, with Liverpool likely to be scouring that market in particular as they look to improve their squad.

And it’s not just the midfield they’re looking to upgrade, with inews claiming Wolfsburg’s promising defender Van de Ven could be one of their new recruits.

The 22-year-old is one of the Bundesliga’s most sought after defenders and it’s claimed ‘sources close to the player have indicated that Liverpool are one of the clubs who have been tracking him.’

He’s also sh*t quick, with Football Talent Scout reporting him to be the defender with the quickest sprint in the Bundesliga this season at 35.87 km/h.

Asked what Liverpool can expect from Schmadtke, ex-Red Dietmar Hamann said: “He won’t be taken for a ride. He’s a very capable man, but it’s a big job because in a short space of time you need to bring players in.

“You need the money for one, and while Liverpool is still a big pull, you are competing with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle, Real Madrid, Barcelona. It will be interesting but it won’t be easy.

“He’s done a great job wherever he was. The last few years he was at Wolfsburg and he said he wants to pack it in [and retire]. He said that’s it, he had somebody else in place, but did say well maybe in six months’ time the missus kicks me out the house because I’m at home too often, and then it might be a different story.

“If you get the opportunity to go to Liverpool you have to take it. He’s a very likeable guy and he knows his stuff. But he’s got to get to know the club now. The area, the people. He will know the players, but he’s got to get these deals over the line which won’t be easy because the competition is strong.”

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