Liverpool Manager News: Reds Approach van Gaal as Martinez Decision Nears

Liverpool chiefs have spoken to Louis van Gaal with the intention of making him the club's first ever sporting director, according to the Telegraph.

The Reds are reportedly looking to shake up their management structure ahead of the new season and it is believed the role offered to van Gaal would be similar to the one occupied by former director of football Damien Comolli, who was shown the door in April. The report adds that Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre flew to the Dutchman's summer residence in the Algarve to discuss the position.

However, van Gaal recently revealed he was eager to work with players and wanted to return to football as a manager. He reportedly stressed he was not keen on an administrative role, a declaration that seems to rule him out of the position Liverpool are offering. Nevertheless, an earlier IBTimes UK report suggested the 60 year old could well also be seen as one of the candidates to replace Kenny Dalglish.

Van Gaal has seven league titles to his managerial credit - from Spain, Germany and Holland - and has also won the Champions League, during his time at Ajax. He is presently unemployed, after a spell with German club Bayern Munich, and is believed to be keen on a move to England.

Meanwhile, Wigan Athletic will hold a press conference on Tuesday where they expect Roberto Martinez to announce whether he is joining Liverpool, reports the Daily Mirror. The Spaniard has held talks with Reds' owner John Henry in Miami and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan earlier stated Martinez had been officially offered the manager's post at Anfield, only for Liverpool to dismiss those claims.

However, the 38 year old is still considered the favourite to nab the position at this point. Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers, Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp and Ajax coach Frank de Boer have all already rejected approaches from Anfield, while Andre Villas-Boas revealed he would not be rushed and wanted to study all his options carefully before committing to a club.

Club captain Steven Gerrard has already pledged his full support to Martinez if he gets the job.

"We'll have to wait and see. I'm aware Roberto Martinez has been talking to the club but all I've heard about him is positive. If he is going to be the manager, he's got my full support," ESPN quoted the 31 year old as saying.

Martinez took charge at the DW Stadium after arriving from Swansea City in 2009.