Growing friction between the Swansea City chairman, Huw Jenkins, and the club's American owners - particularly over the issue of recruitment - was at the heart of Jenkins' decision to resign after 17 years at the club, Sky Sports News understands.

Jenkins resigned on Saturday night, following a reign which saw Swansea rise from the bottom of the Football League in 2003 to the Premier League eight years later.

The 55-year-old had ultimate control over recruitment and player contracts at the Liberty Stadium, but Swansea's board had lost faith in his judgement and decision-making, according to Sky sources.

A key factor was winger Daniel James' failed move to Leeds United on Deadline Day. James underwent a medical at Elland Road, only for Swansea to pull out of the deal at the final moment.

Swansea pulled out of a deal to sell Daniel James to Leeds on Deadline Day

The Swans' hierarchy were also dismayed by Jenkins' decision to sign Andre Ayew for £18m last January, and the call to re-sign Wilfried Bony for a second fee of £12m - the two forwards made just 19 Premier League starts between them after their moves.

Wilfried Bony scored one Championship goal for Swansea before joining Al-Arabi on loan in January

After Jenkins' departure, the club says it is now determined to modernise its structure, and wants to appoint a new director of football within weeks.

Swansea have no immediate plans to look for, or appoint, a new chairman.

Biggest signings since January 2015 Andre Ayew from West Ham £18m Sam Clucas from Hull £16.5m Borja Baston from Atletico Madrid £15.5m Wilfried Bony from Vitesse/Man City £12m

Biggest sales since January 2015 Gyfli Sigurdsson to Everton £45m Wilfried Bony to Man City £25m Andre Ayew to West Ham £20.5m Alfie Mawson to Fulham £15m

Total transfer spend since 2015: £132.4m

Total transfer earnings since: £193.4m

Total transfer profit since 2015: £61m

There has so far been no comment from Jenkins, beyond his initial statement from Saturday, when he said his role at the club had been gradually eroded, to a point where he could not accept it any more.

Swansea's American owners now want an experienced football director to act as a link between manager Graham Potter and the board, and they want the new person in place as soon as possible to begin planning for the summer transfer window. The Swansea Supporters' Trust will be involved in the selection process.

Potter will still play a crucial role in identifying and selecting talent going forward, SSN has been told

It has been reiterated to Sky Sports News that Potter will still play a crucial role in identifying and selecting talent going forward, and he will retain total control over the technical aspects of coaching and style of play.