Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards has reportedly ruled out a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Todd Boehly has been on the trail of Edwards since he left Anfield at the end of last season, as he searches for the best way to fill the void left by Marina Granovskaia's exit.
New co-owner Boehly has boldly shouldered the responsibility of leading Chelsea's hectic summer of transfer business, with head coach Thomas Tuchel also playing an active role.
Edwards forged his reputation at Liverpool as an expert negotiator and clinical closer of deals, at the head of a team blending data and eyes-in-the-stand scouting operations with the demands of manager Jurgen Klopp and the club's financial limitations.