Everton keen to bring in Leeds football adviser Hammond

Everton will move into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the start of the 2025-26 season

Everton are moving to poach further members of the Leeds United backroom staff as new owners The Friedkin Group establish their leadership team.

The US-based investment firm's takeover of the Merseyside club is set to coincide with a number of top-level recruitments, following confirmation Angus Kinnear - currently at Leeds - will take over the role of chief executive at the end of the season.

Nick Hammond is among the main contenders being considered to work under Kinnear, although well-placed sources have stressed to BBC Sport that any deal for the 57-year-old is yet to be finalised.

Hammond is hugely experienced, having worked in numerous leading executive positions across English football including roles at West Brom, Newcastle, Celtic and Reading.

He was named interim football adviser at Leeds in 2023.

Kevin Thelwell, Everton's current director of football, has already confirmed he is leaving the club this summer but it is understood Hammond would not directly replace him.

Sources close to the situation have told BBC Sport that if appointed, Hammond's key responsibilities could include overseeing player contracts.

Kinnear has worked closely with Hammond at Leeds, who have confirmed their promotion back to the Premier League.

Gary Penrice, who also holds a recruitment role at the Elland Road club, has been identified as another possible appointment at Everton.

Meanwhile, multiple sources have indicated Thelwell is a candidate to become Scottish Premiership side Rangers' new sporting director.

Thelwell joined Everton from New York Red Bulls in March 2022 but it was confirmed last month he would leave the Merseyside club when his contract expires in the summer, amid a number of structural changes.