Liverpool's most recent hire has received a ringing endorsement from Harry Redknapp.

The former Tottenham and West Ham United manager has given a glowing verdict of Richard Hughes.

The ex-Bournemouth chief will be taking over at the Anfield club as sporting director.

“Richard's knowledge of players is excellent, not just in Britain but across the world," Redknapp told the Daily Record in 2021, when it appeared that Hughes and Eddie Howe were going to Celtic.

“He speaks fluent Italian, he's a great lad and he's going to be very important to Eddie as he looks to bring success to Celtic and in the work which needs to be done. I have no doubt they will rise to the challenge.

“Richard is like Eddie in that it's just football, football, football with them. There's nothing much other than family and football and then walking the dog.

“Eddie relies on him with the recruitment and it's that bond and trust they have in one another which is so important. Richard's an interesting character, he has a cosmopolitan side to him and if you talk to him about any player from any part of the world, he seems to know almost everyone.

“He will give you chapter and verse on players I don't know well. It's that depth of knowledge and study which he puts into recruitment which makes him so valuable."