Former Liverpool academy chief Malcom Elias has passed away.

His death was announced by fellow Premier League sude Fulham, where Elias has spent the last 16 years working as head of recruitment.

Elias made the move from Anfield to west London in 2009 having worked closely with Trent Alexander-Arnold as a youngster during his time on Merseyside.

During his tenure at Southampton, he also played a part in the development of noteworthy talents such as Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott, who have since achieved great success.

Ex-Liverpool chief who helped develop Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gareth Bale dies	Former Liverpool academy director Malcolm Elias dies aged 71	Academy boss Elias - who developed Bale and Alexander-Arnold - dies

After a short illness, Elias has sadly departed, with Fulham extending their heartfelt sympathies to his family.

Elias worked with Trent Alexander-Arnold as a youngster

They praised his exceptional reputation in football for discovering and nurturing talented youngsters: "The Club's Head of Academy Recruitment, Malcolm had a fantastic reputation in football for unearthing and nurturing young talent."

The club also acknowledged his Welsh roots and commemorated his impending 16th anniversary at Fulham this summer, noting his contributions from Liverpool in July 2009, and mentioned his successful stint at Southampton working alongside future Fulham colleagues Huw Jennings and Steve Wigley.

"The influence that Malcolm had on the modern game cannot be understated, having worked with and developed the likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Luke Harris and Jay Stansfield, to name but a few