Leeds United's Victor Orta 'on shortlist for Chelsea sporting director role'

Leeds United's Victor Orta is one of four names on Chelsea's shortlist for their sporting director vacancy, according to a report.

New club owner Todd Boehly is on the lookout for boardroom reinforcements as part of an extensive reshuffle at Stamford Bridge, but has so far been frustrated in his search for a sporting director.

Talks with Red Bull Salzburg's Christoph Freund broke down earlier this month, while the Blues have reportedly failed to lure Michael Edwards away from a sabbatical after his departure from Liverpool too.

The Mirror reports that Boehly has drawn up a new four-man shortlist including Leeds chief Orta, who took the job at Elland Road in 2017 and has been credited with helping the Whites return to the Premier League after 16 years in the lower leagues.

Former Celtic and Leicester City scout Lee Congleton, who is currently head of recruitment at Atalanta BC, is also understood to be on the list, as are Sevilla's Monchi and Rui Pedro Braz from Benfica.

Chelsea are hopeful of having the successful candidate in place by the start of the World Cup in November, although they are prepared to wait to ensure that the appointment is the right one.

In addition to the four candidates named in the report, Chelsea are expected to hold further talks with Bayer Leverkusen's Tim Steidten, whose data-driven approach is thought to be appealing to the Chelsea hierarchy.

The Blues are also understood to be willing to consider internal candidates to oversee recruitment alongside new manager Graham Potter, with interviews set to be conducted next week.

The likes of Petr Cech, Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck have all left Stamford Bridge since the takeover was completed, ending their long relationships with the West London club following Roman Abramovich's departure.