Liverpool confirm U23 manager Michael Beale has left the club with immediate effect

Liverpool have confirmed their Under-23s manager Michael Beale left his position at the club with immediate effect on 7 December, Wednesday. The Reds have not announced his replacement as a search for his successor is underway.

Beale joined the Merseyside club in September 2012 after spending 10 years at Chelsea. He was appointed as Liverpool's youth development lead coach for the Under-15 and Under-16, before being promoted to the Under-23 setup in August 2014.

A statement on Liverpool's official website read: "Liverpool Football Club can today confirm Michael Beale will leave his post as U23 manager with immediate effect. The process to appoint his replacement is underway. Everyone at Liverpool FC would like to wish Michael the best of luck for the future."

The Reds' academy director Alex Inglethorpe has thanked Beale for his contribution in helping young players develop and make their way into Liverpool's first team. He said: "Over the last four years I have seen Michael help coach a variety of players across differing age groups. He is a talented coach who has great potential to go on and make his mark within the senior game."

"I believe that Michael has been integral to the development of many of our players who have progressed towards the first team and I would like to wish him and his family every success for the future."

According to the Mirror, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard will return to the club in a coaching role, following his decision to end his playing career. It is unlikely that the Reds will hand him a role to be Beale's successor.

Beale will move to South America, where he will be the assistant manager at Sao Paulo. He confirmed this via his official Instagram post, while also claiming the four and a half years spent at Liverpool were the best time of his life.

"Wow - What an amazing four and a half years with Liverpool. It has been the best time of my life. The people of the city are the kindest, most warm hearted people I've have ever known," Beale posted on Instagram.

"The job has been a dream come true and the club is everything I hoped it would be. I have been treated so well by all the staff, players and supporters. For this, all I can say is a huge thank you.

"My two children are born and raised in this wonderful city and are both big Liverpool fans. We will be keeping Liverpool as our home. Thanks again to everyone that has given me messages of support. See you after!"

It added: "A message for fans of São Paulo. Thanks for the messages and great support from the SPFC. January 2017, I will be one of you and we will be fighting together for São Paulo FC.

"Send Rogerio and the players your support and we will work 110% to make you happy. Thank you."