CONFIRMED: Leeds open talks with 2-times promotion winning Sporting director as 49ers look to finally replace Victor Orta at Elland Road ahead of big summer

Leeds United have opened talks over a deal to lure Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber, sources have told Football Insider.

The recently relegated Yorkshire giants have turned their attention to hiring the recruitment expert from the team who will be their Championship rivals next season.

Leeds are in the market for a new director of football after announcing the departure of Victor Orta at the start of May in a move first revealed by Football Insider. The Spaniard was let go by United at the same time as Javi Gracia with the pair paying the price for a dire run of form that left the club deep in trouble.

Webber has now been targeted by Leeds as they look to secure instant promotion back to the Premier League.

The 39-year-old is a United fan and has overseen two Championship titles – one apiece at Norwich and Huddersfield Town – as well as two relegations from the Premier League.

Discussions are now underway over a deal that would potentially see Webber installed as Orta’s permanent replacement going into the summer window. Norwich finished 13th in the Championship in the recently-completed season, which saw Leeds relegated from the Premier League.

United are set to soon be under new ownership after the 49ers Enterprises agreed a full takeover of the Championship club on Friday night.

In buying out Andrea Radrizzani, the United States-based 49ers, an investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, will up their holding in Leeds from 44 per cent to full, 100 per cent control.

The deal still needs to pass the English Football League’s owners’ and directors’ test, but the requirement is regarded as a formality.