Nicola Salerno has indicated that he is close to being named as a sporting director at Leeds United.

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino worked with Salerno during his reign at Cagliari, and it now appears that the duo will link up once again after an approach from Palermo was rejected.

"Leeds? It's a life choice, my first experience abroad but with an Italian owner," Salerno told Tuttomercatoweb.

"I can confirm that I have not accepted the proposal of Palermo. The club needed an immediate response, while I did not have sufficient certainty."

If the expected deal is completed, Salerno will provide support for David Hockaday, who was named Leeds head coach last week.