Liverpool head of recruitment Dave Fallows is being lined up as Julian Ward's successor as sporting director at Anfield, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Ward's shock exit

Ward took over from the much-praised Michael Edwards as sporting director last year, as the Reds lost arguably one of their most influential figures of the Jurgen Klopp era.

The hope was that the 41-year-old would be a key long-term replacement for his predecessor, but instead, Liverpool were rocked by the news that he will also leave his role at the end of the season.

Since that shock announcement late last year, the club have been on the lookout for an eventual replacement and a key update has now emerged regarding the situation.

The Latest: Fallows in pole

According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Fallows is the front-runner to take over from Ward and is currently 'in every meeting' and is 'involved in every decision' at the club.

He is described in the report as a 'strong candidate' at worst, and it could be that he is being 'lined up by the Liverpool hierarchy'.

The Verdict: Good in-house decision?

There may be some who want a new sporting director to come in from fresh surroundings but bringing in Fallows could represent a more seamless transition.

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He knows Liverpool inside out already and has been present to see Edwards and Ward going about their jobs, hopefully learning from the duo in the process.

If the Reds are to get back to the level they were at last season, they need to be getting every decision right both on and off the pitch, so this sporting director appointment is crucial.

Liverpool must be absolutely sure about Ward's successor, ensuring he works with Klopp to identify the right signings and make tough decisions.