Liverpool are nowhere near appointing a new director of football at Anfield after being shocked by the resignation of Julian Ward, according to a fresh update.

The Lowdown: Ward's shock resignation

Last month, the Reds were rocked by the news that Ward would step down from his high-profile role at the club once this season is done and dusted.

He only replaced Michael Edwards in the job earlier this year and was seen as a key figure for years to come, particularly in terms of player recruitment.

Ward's exit means that Liverpool are on the lookout for a replacement, although it appears to be slow progress currently.

The Latest: Replacement far from sorted

According to Football Insider journalist Wayne Veysey, 'no appointment is close' for the Reds, having been 'taken aback' by the timing of Ward's departure with no succession plan in place.

Former Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal man Sven Mislintat is one name who has emerged as a possible candidate but the report states that Liverpool are 'not in talks' with him.

This follows the resignation of a number of key figures at the club, like Ian Graham, the club’s director of research.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-36/" title="Latest Liverpool transfer news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align=“none"]

The Verdict: Choppy waters at Anfield

It certainly feels like a rocky period at Liverpool after years of such seamless work, with everyone pulling in the same direction on and off the pitch for so much of Jurgen Klopp's time in charge.

The possibly imminent sale of the club by owners FSG has clearly affected the stability at Anfield and Ward's exit suggests that all is not well at the moment, having been described as 'incredible' by Klopp in the past.

It is important that Liverpool don't rush a replacement for him, however, instead bringing in the ideal person to work alongside Klopp and ensure that this great period continues.