Eddie Howe’s blunt response to outgoing Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards joining Newcastle

Eddie Howe has shot down rumours outgoing Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards will join him at Newcastle Unted.

Edwards has been linked with joining the St James’ Park hierarchy after Howe was appointed head coach earlier this week.

The pair know each other from their time at Portsmouth in the early 2000s. Howe was part of Harry Redknapp’s squad while Edwards was a performance analyst at Fratton Park.

And although Edwards has confirmed he will depart Anfield at the end of the season, Howe has scotched such reports he’ll head for the Magpies.

Speaking at his first press conference, Howe said: “As far as I know, absolutely not – I know nothing about Michael Edwards’ future.

“He’s someone I hugely respect in the game and what he’s done for Liverpool, but my main focus since coming to Newcastle has been on the players who are currently in the team, not focused on January or other outside influences.”

Background

The Athletic reported in August that Edwards would leave Liverpool at the end of this season following a decade at the club.

In an open letter to fans on the club’s website, Edwards - who recruited the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane at Anfield - confirmed he is leaving in the summer. His current assistant, Julian Ward, will be promoted.

Edwards, who has also been linked with RB Leipzig, said: “Ten years, that’s a pretty long time in anyone’s working life. In football terms, it is an era in itself, particularly at a club like Liverpool where the expectations and standards are never anything other than as high as the supporters deserve.

“To be part of this club during this period has been a privilege due to the people I have been fortunate enough to work with and the success we have enjoyed.

“But all good things must come to an end and, in my case, I recently completed my final summer window as Liverpool sporting director. Even writing those words seems a bit surreal, but at the end of this season I will pack up my laptop and leave my office at the AXA Training Centre for the last time.

“Before I do so, though, I wanted to take this opportunity to explain the reasons why I’m moving on because I’m a great believer that supporters deserve clarity at times like this. The last thing I want is unfounded speculation, particularly as I know the Liverpool Football Club that I am leaving behind couldn’t be in better hands.”