How Julian Ward used Portuguese connections to help Liverpool strike Darwin Nunez deal

Michael Edwards is a name many Liverpool fans have become accustomed to hearing in recent years.

Leading the Reds' successful transfer strategy up until his recent departure from the club, Edwards' reputation continued to grow among supporters despite carrying out all of his work behind-the-scenes.

It was announced in November he would be stepping down from his position of sporting director, with an internal decision being made for assistant sporting director Julian Ward to take the reins.

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While owners FSG made repeated attempts to convince Edwards to extend his tenure at Liverpool, Ward was identified as a potential successor some time ago. Club sources are confident he is the best candidate to follow Edwards and build on the work that has been done over the past decade since the latter arrived in November 2011.

The 40-year-old Ward has had a background in sports science, which he studied at John Moores University. During his time, he also served as a professional footballer for Morecambe. His career within the game continued further down the line in Northern Ireland, representing Larne and Lisburn Distillery.

He became a performance analyst for the FA in 2001 before joining ProZone - the pioneer of performance analysis in sport- a year later. Ward's first big opportunity arose in August 2008 as he became head of analysis and technical scouting for the Portuguese Football Federation. It is understood Ward was recommended for this role by a mutual friend of then head coach of the national team, Carlos Queiroz.

A move to Manchester City arose in November 2010, taking on the role of the club's South American scouting strategist. Ward was part of the Sky Blues' team as they made history by securing a first Premier