Leeds United are ready to appoint Francesco Marroccu as their new sporting director.

The Italian has been attending training at Thorp Arch every day and watching manager Garry Monk and first team coach James Beattie put the players through their paces though he has yet to be officially appointed.

Marroccu had been working in a similar capacity at Ascoli but left that role in June as his contract expired.

Leeds United are set to appoint Francesco Marroccu as their new sporting director

Marrocu previously worked under Leeds owner Massimo Cellino at Italian side Cagliari

He has previously worked under Leeds owner Massimo Cellino at Cagliari and was linked with Leeds last summer.

Cellino's Eleanora Sports last week took full control of Leeds United by buying up the remaining shares held by Middle Eastern bank GFH Capital.

Leeds have been without a sporting director since Nicola Salerno departed the club a year ago but Cellino has openly admitted plans to appoint another.

However, the arrival of Marroccu, who has limited English, is seen by some at the club as an ominous appointment.

Garry Monk is the seventh head coach to work for Cellino since he took over in 2014

Supporters have called for greater continuity under Cellino with Monk the seventh head coach to work for the Italian since he took over Leeds in 2014.

Monk, 37, is regarded as one of the brightest young managers in the game and, despite an indifferent start to the season, has strong support from the Elland Road faithful who are eager to see him given a chance to make his mark properly and bed in at the club.