Liverpool have confirmed the departure of Michael Beale as under-23s manager.
Sources told ESPN FC on Friday that Beale had informed the club of his desire to leave and take up a position as assistant manager with Brazilian side Sao Paulo, serving as No. 2 to former Brazil goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni.
Liverpool confirmed that Beale was leaving his post in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday night's Premier League Cup draw with West Bromwich Albion at Prenton Park.
In a statement on the club's official website, academy director Alex Inglethorpe paid tribute to Beale's contribution ever since his arrival to the Merseyside outfit in 2012.
"Over the last four years I have seen Michael help coach a variety of players across differing age groups," Inglethorpe said. "He is a talented coach who has great potential to go on and make his mark within the senior game.
"I believe that Michael has been integral to the development of many of our players who have progressed towards the first team and I would like to wish him and his family every success for the future."
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been linked with a return to the club in some capacity ever since his retirement from professional football.
However, sources told ESPN FC last week that speculation linking Gerrard to the vacant U23s role was "premature."