Former West Brom technical director in line for Premier League move

Hammond, 57, is reportedly in advanced talks to step up to the Premier League club and depart his football advisor role at Elland Road, a post he has held initially in an interim role since 2023.

He has won praise for work around Leeds' recruitment following the Whites' relegation from the Premier League and could depart with a promotion back to the top flight at the end of this season.

Hammond spent two years at The Hawthorns between 2016 and 2018 before he was dismissed in the April of the latter, with the club on the verge of relegation.

The director had played a central role in bringing former Reading confidant Alan Pardew to Albion. Pardew was sacked in a torrid season which resulted in dropping to the Championship as then chief executive Mark Jenkins plotted a restructuring.

Among Hammond's notable moves was the club-record £15million signing of Scottish flop Oliver Burke. His exit followed that of chairman John Williams and chief executive Martin Goodman earlier that season.

Hammond, a former goalkeeper, had earlier in his career been hailed for work at Reading in a two-decade spell. After his Albion axing he worked roles at Celtic and Newcastle.

He is set to follow Leeds chief executive office Angus Kinnear to Everton in an off-field restructure as the Toffees move from Goodison Park to Bramley Moore Dock.

Kevin Thelwell, the former Wolves director of football, is making way at Everton, The Toffees have a strong, long-held interest in Albion winger and academy graduate Tom Fellows.