OPINION
Leeds United scout Craig Dean is wanted by clubs in the Premier League and Championship, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claims that the recruitment expert that recommended Leeds sign Daniel James from Swansea in January is a wanted man after impressing with his eye for young talent at Elland Road.
Dean was also said to be “instrumental” in signing Tyler Roberts from West Brom last January for £2.5million.
It is understood that keeping hold of the former Oxford and Newcastle scout is high on Leeds’ agenda now that their season is over, which is great news because director of football Victor Orta needs to fight off any interest in someone who is clearly very good at his job.
James would clearly have been an amazing signing for the Whites and it was just unfortunate for them that Swansea pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute on deadline day in January.
It has now been widely-reported that the jet-heeled Wales international could join Manchester United in the summer, which just shows how right Dean was to be recommending him to Orta.
Roberts has also been a great success at Elland Road, despite his injury difficulties.
According to the Mail, Roberts’ value has quadrupled since he joined the Whites, with him now said to be worth £10million.
If Dean is going to keep on digging up gems like James and Roberts then he has to be keep on at Elland Road at all costs by transfer chief Orta.
It might be difficult if Premier League clubs come along and offer Premier League wages to the ex-Newcastle scout, but Leeds can turn their recruitment department into their biggest weapon as they bid to win promotion from the Championship next season.