Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is hoping director of football Victor Orta will commit his future to the club after signaling interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Orta is said to be among the main candidates for the post of new sporting director at Stamford Bridge, alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s Tim Steidten, following Christoph Freund’s decision to stay at RB Salzburg.
Marsch said: “I’m not surprised he’s been tied to some big work. I can say unequivocally that he is very happy here and that we have an incredible relationship.
“With (managing director) Angus (Kinnear) and (chairman) Andrea (Radrizzani), we worked very well as a team and worked well during the transfer window.
“Each window has put us on the path to success and I hope he stays because of his hard work and expertise.”
Marsch said the matter was recently discussed between himself, Orta, who held similar roles at Sevilla and Middlesbrough before joining Leeds in 2017, and Kinnear over dinner.
“We went to Iberica, which I thought was the perfect place for Victor to tell us he was leaving, like his last dinner,” Marsch joked.
“But luckily that was not the case. We talked about it very openly and it was a funny conversation because I made Victor promise that he would stay with me if I came here.
“But I said obviously if you have the opportunity to go to a place like Chelsea, obviously with your family situation, I understand you have to think about it.
“At the end of the day, he has to make a decision on what’s best for him and his family. But I know how much he loves Leeds United.
“I know how much he loves working with me and Angus and what we do with Andrea and everything. I hope he will stay. »
Former New York, Salzburg and Leipzig Red Bulls boss Marsch has said he is the happiest he has been in his managerial career since taking over as Marcelo Bielsa’s successor in February.
He added: “The unity and commitment here is the highest I have seen. I don’t want to leave. If I got an offer to go anywhere, I would stay at this place. Happier than I have never been in my career.
Leeds will resume Premier League action against Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday after an enforced four-week break due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the international break.
Marsch, who will watch from the stands as he serves a one-game touchline ban following his red card in the recent defeat at Brentford, has a healthy side to choose from.
Patrick Bamford is set to make his first league start since mid-August and striker Rodrigo has recovered from a dislocated shoulder.
Skipper Liam Cooper (Achilles and calf), Luke Ayling and Junior Firpo (both knees) are in contention to make their first league starts of the season.
Adam Forshaw (ankle), teenager Archie Gray (broken toe) and Stuart Dallas (broken femur) are the only players ruled out.
