Jonathan Woodgate 'to join Liverpool staff as a scout'

Ex-England international defender Jonathan Woodgate is in line to join Liverpool's scouting network after calling time on his playing career, according to a report.

The 36-year-old is said to have been recruited by the Reds to look after Iberian talent in a role that was previously held by Julian Ward.

It is claimed by the Liverpool Echo that Woodgate will be responsible for watching over players in Spain - where he spent three years as a Real Madrid player - and Portugal.

Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto and Alberto Moreno are among those to have been scouted from the region by Ward, who now overlooks the Merseyside outfit's outgoing loan business.

A former Leeds United, Newcastle United, Madrid and Middlesbrough centre-back, Woodgate's playing days came to an end earlier this year when helping Boro to the Premier League.