Former Birmingham City, Celtic and Hearts figure primed for big Liverpool role

Former Birmingham City striker Mark Burchill could be set to join Liverpool post the Jurgen Klopp era.

Burchill is currently the head scout at Bournemouth, but there is talk of him moving to Anfield. The Daily Mail report a deal has been agreed for Burchill to head to Liverpool where he will link up with Richard Hughes.

Hughes was the sporting director at the Vitality Stadium but has been appointed by Liverpool to front their transfer output when Klopp leaves. Burchill could now play a key role in helping usher in a new era at the Merseyside club who are parting company with the popular German boss after nine years.

The 43-year-old has worked for the Cherries since joining as a scout in 2017 before earning a promotion two years later. His other roles in football include being an assistant manager and coach at both Livingston and Slovan Bratislava. He would go on to manage Livingston for a year, winning the Scottish Club in 2015, before being relieved of his duties.

As for his scouting pedigree, Burchill played an 'influential' role in Bournemouth signing the likes of Nathan Ake, Phillip Billing and David Brooks. Ake was sold to Premier League champions Manchester City for £41m, earning the club a healthy profit.

Birmingham City fans might not remember Burchill too well as he only spent three-months at St Andrew's. He was borrowed on loan from Celtic and made 17 appearances for the club, scoring five goals. Birmingham wanted to complete a £1.5m deal for him when Trevor Francis was in charge but the move collapsed due to personal demands. He ended up joining Ipswich Town on another loan deal.

Burchill's career would see him play for Portsmouth, Sheffield Wednesday, Hearts and Kilmarnock. At Portsmouth, he won the First Division title in 2003, which is now known as the Championship. He would also make six appearances for Scotland.