Jay Spearing linked with surprise Liverpool return

Not the midfielder Liverpool fans were exactly expecting

Liverpool are set to confirm the return of Jay Spearing to the club as part of a role that will see him help educate the youngsters at the club. Spearing will link up with the Reds' Under-23 squad, where he will play alongside them while also coaching younger squads in an innovative development role which has been created by academy director, Alex Inglethorpe. The 33-year-old first left Liverpool in 2015 and played in the lower leagues of football - playing at the likes of Blackpool and Preston North End - before leaving Tranmere Rovers in the summer. As revealed by the Telegraph Spearing has continued to be a regular at the club's Kirkby academy, even after his departure, and an announcement is set to be imminent. Liverpool's new role for their former player isn't the first of its kind in the Premier League. Manchester United have created a similar role for Paul McShane. The 35-year-old was never registered for the first-team squad but played for the Under-23s side as well as took on a coaching role. Southampton have also followed suit, giving former Rochdale and Crewe Alexandra defender Ollie Lancashire the same position.

Liverpool have already been active in the transfer market

Spearing would be Liverpool's third signing of the summer having already secured deals for Fulham's Fabio Carvalho and the recent marquee signing, Darwin Nunez. Calvin Ramsay of Aberdeen is also set to be confirmed and will likely join to be a back up for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Jurgen Klopp has interest in making a major addition to his midfield but is preparing to wait for next summer, when Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham may become available. Sadio Mane meanwhile is expected to leave for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Related links:

• Liverpool wrap up their transfer business before Man United even sign a player
• Liverpool to face four of the ‘big six’ after Champions League fixtures
• Liverpool could hijack Barcelona’s Raphinha move with Mane set to leave