Leeds United ‘agree deal’ for former Aston Villa, Everton and Celtic man

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a deal to strengthen their recruitment staff over the coming days.

Elland Road has witnessed a number of changes since the Whites were relegated from the Premier League in May. The major change came when the 49ers Enterprises finally completed their long-awaited takeover of the club and their arrival signalled the start of several key appointments.

Former Reading director of football Nick Hammond was named as an interim football advisor and Gretar Steinsson, once of Bolton Wanderers, has been appointed as technical director after holding key positions with Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and the Icelandic FA.

New manager Daniel Farke’s support network is now set to be further boosted after Football Insider revealed the Whites had agreed a deal to make former Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa striker Gary Penrice part of their scouting and transfers team.

Penrice has previously held similar roles at Everton, Leicester City, Stoke City, QPR and Celtic and worked along side Hammond during his time with the latter. The report suggests Penrice will be ‘tasked with helping the Whites identify and recruit talent worthy of competing for the Championship’ as they look to bounce back into the Premier League at the first attempt.