Leeds move closer to Karanka

The chances of Aitor Karanka taking charge of Leeds United have increased with the appointment of Victor Orta as Director of Football.

Orta was previously in that role at Middlesbrough where he worked with Karanka as they steered Boro to promotion to the Premier League.

Appointing a replacement for Garry Monk is the priority with Karanka installed as one of the early favourites with Monk, ironically linked to the Middlesbrough job.

Discussing his new role Orta told the Leeds website: “ “I am excited by the opportunity to become Director of Football at a great club like Leeds United.

“Once I had met with Andrea Radrizzani and spoken to him about his plans to take the club forward, I knew that this was the right move for me and I am confident that we can achieve great things in the coming years.”

After the controversial departure of Monk it is essential that Leeds make the right appointment to build on last season’s play-off near miss.

With Huddersfield now in the top flight the need for Premier League football is crystal clear with a number of so-called lesser clubs enjoying top flight football such as Burnley and Bournemouth.

Whoever takes charge will have to make a decision on leading scorer Chris Wood who has a number of clubs keen on his services.