Liverpool have announced that Michael Edwards has been promoted to the club's newly-created role of sporting director.

The 37-year-old has been at Anfield since November 2011, carrying out duties as head of analytics, director of technical performance and technical director.

Edwards's new position will involve player recruitment and transfer negotiations, as well as "reviewing and implementing improvements" to the training facilities.

The football executive has claimed that the support of manager Jurgen Klopp played a "big" role in helping him decide to take on the new job.

"I've been proud to be part of the football operations structure here at Liverpool and it's a great honour to be asked to lead it going forward in this new role of sporting director," Edwards told the club's official website. "We have a brilliant team of people who all make a huge contribution to the process of player transfers and retention, together with recruitment for the senior team, development squad and our academy.

"Jurgen's belief and confidence in what we have done is also welcomed and was a big factor in me making the decision to accept this position. It's critical that we are always focused on development and improvement across all areas of the football operation.

"It's an exciting challenge to be tasked with the responsibility of reviewing our practices and then implementing positive changes as and when they are needed. I know I'll be supported by a brilliant group of people while doing this."

Fenway Sports Group president and owner Mike Gordon, speaking on behalf of the club owners, said: "John, Tom and I are delighted Michael has accepted this new role. He is an extremely talented football executive who has demonstrated his exceptional value to the club. Both Jurgen and I know LFC will be stronger as a result of his appointment.

"When Jurgen was named manager, he was clear that the high quality of our playing squad was an important factor in his decision process; Michael has been integral to assembling the squad and we are confident he is ready to make this next step in his career."

Current chief executive Ian Ayre will step down from his role in 2017.