Liverpool have reportedly made surprise changes to their staff by sacking academy director Frank McParland and academy technical director Rodolfo Borrell.

The pair have been integral in the club's development of young players over the last few years, with McParland being appointed academy director by former manager Rafael Benitez in 2009.

It is understood that the pair were told by Liverpool officials yesterday that their services were no longer required, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Seven academy youngsters Jordan Ibe, Suso, Andre Wisdom, Samed Yesil, Adam Morgan, Conor Coady and Jerome Sinclair all made their first-team debuts last season.

Reports have claimed that it is not yet known whether any replacements have been lined up by the Merseyside outfit.