Report: Leeds now closing in on appointment of 39-year-old

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Leeds United are now closing in on the appointment of Stuart Webber as the club’s new sporting director.

That is according to the Daily Mirror, who report Webber is the ‘preferred candidate’ to replace Victor Orta and a deal with Norwich City is now said to be close.

Webber is currently serving his notice period at Carrow Road until March 2024 but can leave earlier if a club pays compensation to buy him out from his contract.

And it appears as though Leeds are willing to do that, with the 39-year-old having been linked with the position for some time since relegation from the Premier League was confirmed last month.

His arrival could also see Daniel Farke come through the doors at Elland Road as manager, with the two having worked together for a number of years at Norwich.

Webber appointment close

Bringing in Webber for a Championship promotion push would be a decent move given he already has three on his CV at Huddersfield Town and Norwich respectively.

Two of those came while working at the latter alongside Farke, who is a strong contender to become the club’s new manager, with interviews being held this week.

That said, San Francisco 49ers Enterprises are said to have big plans at Elland Road and Webber’s appointment does not exactly scream long-term.

He has always struggled to build a side capable of staying in the Premier League, though if reports from the Athletic this morning are correct, he may well only be a stop-gap.

It is claimed that 49ers could make a short-term appointment at this stage to give them time to find the right man, and Webber is someone who could certainly fit that bill based on what Leeds currently need.