Leeds United have parted company with director of football Victor Orta.
The Athletic reported that the relegation-threatened club were set to dispense with the Spaniard’s services after talks on Monday.
Leeds confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that Orta had left “by mutual consent”.
Owner Andrea Radrizzani said: “I am deeply saddened by the way that this chapter closes as Victor has been responsible for some of the best moments of my time as owner of Leeds United and I thank him and his people for all they have done in the past six years.
“However, it is clear that it is time to change direction and therefore we have agreed that Victor will leave the club.
“I understand supporters are hurt and upset, but now is a time for unity. We have four cup finals left to play this season and working together, I believe we can survive.”
Head coach Javi Gracia’s future is also in the balance after a 4-1 weekend defeat to Bournemouth, with Elland Road chiefs strongly considering replacing him with Sam Allardyce.
Orta was appointed by chairman Radrizzani in the summer of 2017 after he took over the club from Massimo Cellino.
Leeds are in a relegation battle for the second successive season and though Orta was responsible for appointing Marcelo Bielsa, he also oversaw the arrival of Jesse Marsch, who was sacked earlier this year.
Gracia has been in charge of Leeds for only two months, appointed as Marsch’s successor on an initial deal to the end of the term, but a weak display at Bournemouth and a severe downturn in form appears to have spelled the end of his time in the post.
Leeds’ players were due to report back for training on Tuesday morning but the board at Elland Road spent the previous 24 hours considering their next move.
The club are out of the drop zone only on goal difference with just four Premier League games remaining.
They travel to Manchester City on Saturday, before hosting high-flying Newcastle United the following weekend.
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