According to The Chronicle, Sunderland are keen to raid Leeds United for recruitment ace Craig Dean.
The Black Cats parted ways with their recruitment team of Richard Hill and Tony Coton last week, meaning replacements are needed.
Two names are in the mix; Leicester City’s current loan manager for 18 to 23-year-old’s Guy Branston, and Dean.
Dean is the ‘head of emerging talent’ at Elland Road, and has attracted Premier League interest in the past.
Dean was allegedly influential in signing Tyler Roberts and Mateusz Bogusz, whilst he also identified Daniel James as a Leeds target.
Formerly of Manchester United, Dean may now be offered the chance to head of Sunderland’s recruitment in a major role for him.
Leeds have just reached the Premier League though, and the opportunity to identify players on a top-flight budget rather than a third-tier one may be appealing.
This could be another backroom blow for Leeds, with Carlos Corberan poised to leave the club to become Huddersfield Town boss.
With Leeds now up, staff who have played behind-the-scenes roles in their success are bound to attract interest – and Dean could follow Corberan in heading back to the EFL.
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