Paul Mitchell is taking on a new challenge at RB Leipzig. Nick Potts/PA Wire

Former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur head of recruitment Paul Mitchell is to take up a new role at RB Leipzig, the Bundesliga club have announced.

Mitchell, 36, discovered star players including England international Dele Alli, and Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick told Sky: "Paul Mitchell is one of the most well-known and competent scouts in England.

"He had offers from many clubs, having basically led Southampton back to the Premier League with players that he discovered and developed there.

"He then moved with [Mauricio] Pochettino to Tottenham, and for two years he played a massive part in improving the quality of their squad -- predominately playing with by far the highest number of young players in a top Premier League team."

Rangnick said he had become frustrated with Lepzig's recruitment setup after the club failed to agree a fee for Hertha Berlin defender Marvin Plattenhardt last month, adding: "We couldn't do a deal for any player. I find this hard to accept."

He said he wanted to widen the scope of the club's approach, explaining: "We haven't been so active in Spain or Portugal yet."

Rangnick addressed Liverpool's efforts to bring Naby Keita to Anfield in the winter, earlier than the summer deal that was agreed last year.

"We tried to find a solution where he [Keita] had clarity over the terms and conditions for his transfer. In the winter, we told him bluntly this isn't happening," he said.

And amid speculation over potential Bayern Munich interest in coach Ralph Hasenhuttl, Rangnick said: "I don't think Bayern's bosses know who will be coach next season. They haven't made a decision yet."