Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton has told Give Me Sport that Leeds sporting director Victor Orta is focusing on the January window and making plans for that at Elland Road – instead of any rumours linking him with a move to Chelsea.
Orta, 43, remains a crucial part of the Leeds set-up. Alongside CEO Angus Kinnear and major shareholder Andrea Radrizzani, the trio have combined to take Leeds from a mid-table Championship side, back into the Premier League.
The Spaniard has impressed in his role. Bringing in players such as Raphinha, Illan Meslier, Brenden Aaronson and more. Little surprise that Chelsea are showing interest in bringing him to Stamford Bridge, as per The Telegraph.
But Thornton gave an update regarding Orta’s stance on a potential move to Chelsea. He says that Orta is simply focusing on planning for the January window and has not given the links to West London a moment’s thought.
“There’s a philosophy at Leeds and Victor’s very much a central figure in that, so he’ll already be planning for the next transfer window. That’s the way that he works,” Thornton said, when talking to Give Me Sport on Thursday.
Thornton: Orta focusing on January instead of Chelsea rumours
Orta has recently spoken about his “obsession” of getting Leeds into European football. He featured in a recent Amazon Prime documentary that covered the Under-21’s relegation in PL2 last term. He seems as committed as ever.
While Orta should take Chelsea’s interest as flattering, so should Leeds. But it looks as if Orta is focused on Leeds. Whether that stance will remain if Chelsea do actually approach Leeds remains to be seen, but Orta looks settled.
What is interesting, is that Thornton says Leeds are planning for January. Historically, Leeds have not been very busy in the winter window – but that was more down to Marcelo Bielsa. That could change in the next few months.
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