LIVERPOOL are among a handful of top clubs reportedly interested in trying to tempt Cherries’ technical director Richard Hughes away from Vitality Stadium.

Hughes, who made more than 150 appearances for Cherries as a player, has been working behind the scenes at the club for the past decade.

After retiring as a player, the Scot joined Cherries' recruitment team in 2014 and now has one of the top roles in the boardroom, alongside chairman Bill Foley, president of business Jim Frevola and chief executive Neill Blake.

Hughes’s work at Cherries has not gone unnoticed, with a host of clubs said to be admirers.

His previous links with Eddie Howe have seen speculation grow in recent years about linking up again with the former Cherries boss.

Prior to him eventually joining Newcastle United, Celtic tried to get Howe to Glasgow, with Hughes reportedly wanted as part of that deal in 2021.

Things have gone somewhat quieter since regarding Hughes’s future, but with changes behind the scenes at Newcastle, his name has come up as a potential recruit there.

The Telegraph last week reported a move abroad could be in the offing for Hughes this summer, with Roma said to be interested.

Hughes, 44, speaks fluent Italian and spent part of his early playing career in Atalanta’s youth system.

Roma have reportedly been looking for options for a new sporting director since Tiago Pinto left the club after the recent winter transfer window.

This week, a story by Mail Online claimed Hughes is on Liverpool’s shortlist as a candidate to replace Jorg Schmadtke, who recently left Merseyside.

Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s former sporting director, is reportedly their first choice target, but he would take some persuading to come back into the role.

The story goes on to suggest Edwards has a close relationship with Hughes. Liverpool are, of course, also on the lookout for a new head coach with Jurgen Klopp set to leave in the summer.

Nothing has been finalised in terms of an exit from Cherries of Hughes, but it would not come as a huge shock were he to depart Dorset this summer.

Former Cherries captain Simon Francis currently works as assistant technical director, and has been touted as a potential replacement to step straight into the role, were Hughes to leave.