Chelsea: Boehly now targeting 43 y/o after Freund setback at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has added Victor Orta to his ‘long list’ of sporting director candidates and could look to lure him to Stamford Bridge from Leeds United, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Fresh from appointing Graham Potter as the Blues’ new head coach, having sacked Thomas Tuchel 24 hours earlier, Boehly is looking to fill a key behind the scenes position.

According to The Telegraph, Leeds director of football Orta has worked his way onto Chelsea’s radar as they look to fill the sporting director vacancy.

The report suggests the merits of the 43-year-old – who has previously held positions at the likes of Middlesbrough, Zenit Saint-Petersburg and Sevilla – have been discussed behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.

Orta has been a key decision-maker at Leeds since his appointment in May 2017 and been integral in the Yorkshire outfit’s recruitment strategy.

The Spaniard also helped to get deals over the line as his current employers spent close to £100million during the summer transfer window.

It is understood that Boehly is looking to fill the sporting director role ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar and Potter has also been involved in the process of finding the right candidate following his move into the hot seat earlier this month.

Jones understands that Orta is among a number of contenders being discussed for the sporting director post.

It has emerged that Boehly has intentions to develop a multi-club model, similar to Red Bull, so the American is looking to find the right candidate to put his plan into action.

However, Jones is aware that Orta is facing competition from other big-name executives for the job at Stamford Bridge.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m told he is on their long list as