Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is hopeful director of football Victor Orta will commit his future to the club amid links with a move to Chelsea.
The Stamford Bridge giants hope to appoint both a sporting director and a technical director in the near future and will soon step-up their interview process for the roles over the next month.
Blues co-owner Todd Boehly has confirmed he wants to follow the Red Bull multi-club model and has recently turned attentions to RB Leipzig sporting director Christopher Vivell.
RB Salzburg’s Christoph Freund was another target, although he will now remain with the Austrian side.
As it stands, Boehly is operating as Chelsea’s interim sporting director but the American is keen to hand over transfer responsibilities before the World Cup.
Talks with Luis Campos of Paris Saint-Germain recently collapsed amid doubts former Liverpool director Michael Edwards would be willing to take such a big job so soon after leaving Anfield.
Speaking ahead of Leeds’ Premier League meeting with Aston Villa, Marsch said: "I’m not surprised he has been linked to some big jobs. I can unequivocally say he is very happy here and we have an incredible relationship.
"Along with (chief executive) Angus (Kinnear) and (chairman) Andrea (Radrizzani) we’ve worked really well as a team and worked well in the transfer window.
"Every window has set us up for success and I’m hopeful he stays because of his hard work and expertise.”
