Does Craig Dean appointment suggest Leeds United will renew Curtis Nelson interest?

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Curtis Nelson has shone as captain of Oxford United – but will he follow Craig Dean to Leeds United?

It may not seem as if Leeds United need too much help in the scouting department right now. Since Victor Orta was appointed as director of football in the summer, The Whites have made a number of astute signings with the likes of Samu Saiz and Pierre-Michel Lasogga arriving on bargain deals.

Leeds are still aiming to make improvements off the pitch as well as on, however, and will be hoping the imminent announcement of Craig Dean will be another step in the right direction.

According to the Oxford Mail, Oxford United’s head scout has departed the Kassam Stadium and will make a step up in his career with Leeds as the club’s new Head of Emerging Talent.

And Whites fans may be wondering if he will bring anyone with him to Elland Road. Well, skipper Curtis Nelson was linked with a move to West Yorkshire in August, as reported by the Plymouth Herald, so it will be interesting to see whether the 24-year-old features in the gossip columns again come the summer.

The 24-year-old has never played in the Championship but, on the basis of his excellent performances in the lower leagues for Plymouth Argyle and Oxford, deserves a chance to prove his worth at a higher level.

It’s no secret that another centre-back would be well received at Leeds and Nelson may be intrigued by the prospect of following his former O’s team-mate Kemar Roofe to Elland Road.

If Leeds do indeed renew their interest, the appointment of Dean on the scouting staff can only be a benefit – even if he is to work primarily with the Championship club’s ‘Next Gen’ players.