Leeds shortlist two names to replace Victor Orta as Phil Hay reveals possible raids on Middlesbrough, Norwich

Leeds United are reportedly working on a two-man shortlist to succeed Victor Orta as director of football after the controversial Spaniard’s departure earlier this month.

Orta fell on his sword at Elland Road, paying the price for a string transfer failures perhaps best encapsulated by the doomed Jean-Kevin Augustin deal, which ultimately cost the club £24.5m in wages and a further £18m in transfer costs, despite the club going back on their plan to sign him.

Augustin though was not the only transfer failure, though, with the Spaniard also the man responsible for choosing a series of failed managerial appointments.

Disagreeing with chairman Andrea Radrizzani over the axing of both Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia – whom Orta wanted to stand by – he was ultimately dismissed by the club on May 2.

Indeed, his reign in charge leaves Leeds’ place in the Premier League hanging by the narowest of threads. And unless they beat Tottenham on Sunday and have two other results go their way, Leeds will be back in the Championship next season.

As a result, Leeds are facing the most transitional summer for a great number of years. To that end, their ownership issue – the club are due to be taken over by 49ers Enterprises this summer – will be the first thing they need to resolve.

They will also need to make a decision on their next manager. Sam Allardyce was brought in on a four-game contract in an effort to save Leeds from the drop.

But it seems his stay in West Yorkshire will be brief amid claims they are chasing a high-profile alternative.

READ MORE ~ Next Leeds manager: Whites to turn to fantastic title-winning coach as their next boss with Allardyce decision made

Leeds have two Victor Orta replacements in mind

As well as a new manager, Leeds will also press on with the recruitment of a new director of football.

And according to Phil Hay, writing in The Athletic, they have two potential targets in mind.

First up, Leeds are looking at Norwich’s well-respected sporting director Stuart Webber.

The 39-year-old has a wealth of experience. Indeed, he has previously held recruitment and scouting roles at Liverpool, Wolves and QPR.

However, his big break came in joining Huddersfield as their head of football operations. It was at the Terriers that Webber orchestrated the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2015.

Reportedly a Leeds fan, Webber has been on Norwich‘s books since 2017 where has overseen two promotions and two relegations. Webber has also recently been linked with the Chelsea sporting director’s job. That is, astoshingly, still being filled on an interim basis by co-owner Todd Boehly.

Webber is not the only man under consideration, however.

Scott rivals Webber to become Leeds director of football

And Leeds are reportedly casting admiring glances towards Middlesbrough‘s Kieran Scott. The 38-year-old is, ironically, a former disciple of Webber’s having previously worked under him at Norwich.

His first big decision was the sacking of Neil Warnock and subsequent appointment of Chris Wilder. And while that appointment did not work out, the decision to appoint Michael Carrick has certainly proved a success.

Indeed, Carrick has overseen a major improvement on Teesside. Taking Boro from the depths of the table to the Championship play-offs, their promotion dreams were shattered by Coventry.

Scott, though, has been responsible for some shrewd signings at the Riverside, with Leeds now looking to prise him away.

Moves for either are not expected to be made any time soon. However, Hay claims both men will come under consideration when Leeds officially begin the process of finding Orta’s replacement.

READ MORE: Leeds in danger of losing prominent Marsch midfield signing as Real Betis take first steps to transfer