Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp he's driving a potential deal for sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.

The former VfL Wolfsburg chief has been linked with Liverpool as they seek to replace departing sports director Julian Ward.

But Klopp says, "If it happens, it would not be a Jurgen Klopp signing because we are both German or both know each other.

"That would have nothing to do with it. I can say that.

"Jorg Schmadtke I have known a long, long time. He knows me probably not as long as I know him, because he was a much better player.

"But we started in a similar moment our second career, I became a coach at Mainz and he became sporting director at Aachen. Two teams of similar status, so from there we know each other a little bit.

"I know he is a good guy and a smart guy. Very good at what he did in Germany, definitely, very successful. His character is good, his personality is good, his humour is good. I know that from a few moments next to the pitch."

Klopp added: "We could talk about (Klopp's former sporting director at Borussia Dortmund) Michael Zorc. Similar age group, similar situation, just a bit longer in retirement and I know him much better. There are some good sporting directors in Germany you wouldn't believe!"