NEIL WHITBREAD is a former Scotland Yard Detective who is now helping football clubs do due diligence on potential signings with security and investigations solutions consultancy Silverseal.

MANCHESTER UNITED’S two most senior scouts, Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout, have left the club after a combined 24 years.

ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to Steve Rowley and his players will wear black armbands in memory of the club's former Chief Scout during tonight’s Premier League game against Chelsea.

PETE BULMER has left Blackburn Rovers after two-and-a-half years to become Senior Scouting Manager responsible for centre backs at Brighton.

NICK HAMMOND has explained his role as a January transfer advisor for Newcastle United and said it could be the hardest window that the club’s new ownership face.

IPSWICH TOWN have hired Sam Williams from Manchester United to become their new Head Recruitment.

LEEDS UNITED Director of Football Victor Orta has made a passionate defence of the club’s policy of operating with a slimmed-down squad and suggested it will continue in future.