Arne Slot's decision to bring in Johnny Heitinga as an assistant coach could hand Liverpool an advantage in their pursuit of Mohammed Kudus.
Kudus has emerged as a target for the Reds, who are still yet to make a signing this summer. The attacker impressed for West Ham last season, despite their difficult campaign in David Moyes ' final year as manager.
The 23-year-old scored 14 goals and notched six assists in all competitions for the Hammers following a move from Ajax. Despite only spending a year at the London Stadium and having another four years to run on his contract, Kudus has been linked with a move to Anfield.
The Reds would need to pay his £85million release clause in order to sign him, though they could use Heitinga to tempt him into a move. The former Everton star was appointed to Slot's coaching staff last week.
He spent last season working under Moyes and with Kudus at West Ham. The 40-year-old also spent time with Ajax, during Kudus' time in Amsterdam, with the Ghanian a huge fan of the Dutchman's work.
“I felt very good under Heitinga. He is the best trainer I have had at Ajax,” he said. “Apart from the training aspect, I also have a very high regard for him in terms of standards and values. Personally, I would have loved to work with him longer.
“He is a top trainer, and I really appreciated his efforts to make the players better at the time. When he [Heitinga] took over for the rest of the season, he made an immediate impact. It got better.
“When we met again, there were immediate things that connected us. He tried to make me and all the other players better. I am very grateful to him for our time at West Ham.”
Liverpool are expected to be in the market for a new winger, with Kudus’s versatility making him a top target. The Reds are also seeking reinforcements in defence and midfield following the exits of Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara after the expiration of their contracts.
Heitinga linked up with the Reds last week as Slot continues to build his backroom staff following his appointment as Klopp's successor.