Brighton transfer guru joins Chelsea amid Man United interest

Brighton head of recruitment Sam Jewell has accepted a job at Chelsea, the south coast club announced on Tuesday, despite interest from Manchester United.

Jewell, who has been placed on gardening leave, was a key figure in Brighton's moves for Alexis Mac Allister, Moisés Caicedo and Julio Enciso.

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ESPN reported last week that United were interested in hiring Jewell as part of an overhaul of its scouting department. On Monday, United made a formal approach to Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth, Jewell's former boss at Brighton.

Jewell, the son of former Wigan and Bradford manager Paul Jewell, was hired by Ashworth at Brighton in 2016, starting as head of recruitment for the club's under-21s.

Brighton said in a statement: “Sam Jewell has accepted a new role at Chelsea FC.

“Sam has now started a period of gardening leave. We thank him for his long service to our club.

“With immediate effect, Mike Cave, Deputy Technical Director, supported by George Holmes, Head of Scouting and Intelligence, will assume Sam’s responsibilities.”