By Gabriel Ameh
Liverpool are reportedly exploring a number of options as they strengthen their sporting structure, with Brentford executive Lee Dykes emerging as a candidate for the vacant sporting director position.
According to Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, Dykes is among the names being considered by Liverpool following the departure of Richard Hughes, who has moved to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Hilal.
Dykes has played an important role in Brentford’s recruitment strategy in recent years, helping the club identify and develop players who have subsequently become key members of the first team.
Liverpool are also understood to be considering changes to their existing technical structure, with Julian Ward among the figures being assessed for a possible expanded role.
Liverpool monitor Feyenoord defender
Away from the boardroom, Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read.
The 20-year-old Dutch defender has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, with Manchester City and Arsenal also said to be monitoring his progress.
Read has made an impressive start to the Eredivisie campaign, contributing five assists, and is being viewed as a possible option for Liverpool as they assess their long-term requirements at right-back.
Liverpool could face competition for the youngster if they decide to make a formal approach during the January transfer window.
Mac Allister addresses contract situation
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has again spoken about his future at Anfield following earlier comments about his contract situation.
The Argentina international, whose current deal runs until June 2028, previously admitted that he was disappointed not to have been offered a new contract.
However, Mac Allister has now sought to clarify his position, stressing that he remains focused on enjoying his time at Liverpool.
The midfielder said he still has two years remaining on his current agreement and acknowledged that several possibilities could emerge during that period.
Mac Allister also reiterated his affection for Liverpool, describing the club as one of the best in the world and expressing his hope that he can remain at Anfield beyond his current contract.
Tottenham come under pressure after Villa defeat
Elsewhere, Tottenham’s difficult start to the Premier League season continued with a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
The result left Roberto De Zerbi’s side at the bottom of the table with just two points from their opening five matches despite significant spending during the summer.
Former Liverpool defender Andy Robertson was criticised after an error contributed to Aston Villa’s opening goal. With Tottenham temporarily reduced to 10 men, Robertson attempted to keep the ball in play instead of allowing it to go out, and Villa capitalised moments later.
Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke questioned the decision, arguing that conceding a corner would have allowed the team to wait for the returning defender and reorganise.
Van Hecke himself also came under scrutiny following a difficult performance against Aston Villa striker Nicolas Jackson.
TalkSPORT commentators Stuart Pearce and Sam Matterface questioned the defender’s display and the £52 million fee reportedly paid for his services during the summer.
Tottenham will now be looking for a significant response as they attempt to turn around a disappointing opening to the campaign.
