Victor Orta looks almost certain to remain at Leeds United as Chelsea close in on the appointment of Joe Shields as their Director of Recruitment. Chelsea have been in the market for a number of backroom appointments in order to provide new manager Graham Potter with a supporting structure.
The Blues moved first to secure the arrival of a new Technical Director, with Christopher Vivell set to join the club after he was sacked from the same position at Red Bull Leipzig last week. Next on the list is the aforementioned new Director of Recruitment, which according to Fabrizio Romano, is likely to be Southampton’s Shields.
Shields only made the move to Southampton in July but Chelsea are keen to secure his arrival as he is now thought to be their number one tatget. Chelsea have made a direct approach to Shields but are yet to agree a deal with Southampton, which could still take some time.
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And finally on the list is a new Sporting Director, which is the role that Orta currently undertakes at Leeds. Orta had reportedly been on a shortlist of candidates but is no longer under ‘active consideration’.
That is because Chelsea have decided to look elsewhere, with Norwich City’s Stuart Webber featuring prominently on their list after being spoken to last week. Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has already spoken of his desire to see Orta remain at Elland Road, and it appears as though he will get his wish as Chelsea decide to pursue other targets instead.
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