Leeds: Victor Orta 'planning' amid major exit rumour at Elland Road
Leeds United director of football Victor Orta will be planning for the January transfer window, says Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton.
Orta is reportedly on Chelsea’s radar as co-owner Todd Boehly looks to hire a sporting director, but Thornton is confident that the Spaniard is focusing on his work at Elland Road right now.
There has been a lot of change at Leeds’ Premier League rivals Chelsea since Boehly and his consortium took over the club.
Former director Marina Granovskaia departed west London in June, leaving Boehly and ex-manager Thomas Tuchel in charge of transfers during the summer transfer window.
Going forward, though, the American wants a specialist sporting director, with Orta thought to be under consideration for the position.
According to The Telegraph, Orta’s name has been discussed at Stamford Bridge after Red Bull Salzburg’s Christoph Freund turned down the job.
Thornton has told GIVEMESPORT that it is business as usual at Leeds and that Orta is probably already planning for the January transfer window.
Speaking to GMS, the Sky Sports reporter said: “There’s a philosophy at Leeds and Victor’s very much a central figure in that, so he’ll already be planning for the next transfer window. That’s the way that he works.”
Read more: Leeds are calm about Victor Orta’s situation
Leeds and Orta were very active when the market was open in the summer. The Yorkshire club sold Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively, while they also made some signings themselves.
In total, eight new faces arrived, including striker Wilfried Gnonto on deadline day.
The 18-year-old looks a real talent, already picking up six senior caps for the Italy national team. He came on in his country’s 1-0