Chelsea beat Manchester United to Brighton head of recruitment Sam Jewell

The 34-year-old has been placed on gardening leave by the Seagulls after he informed them of his desire to join Chelsea.

Sam, son of former Wigan manager Paul Jewell, has been a major influence on the Seagulls’ success in recent years.

He’s headed the club’s recruitment, leading their global talent-spotting, particularly in South America.

He’s been credited with the signing of Moises Caicedo for £4.5m, the move for Alexis Mac Allister and the acquisition of Marc Cucurella.

Two of those players have moved to Chelsea, earning Brighton around £175m in the process.

Dan Ashworth had reportedly asked Manchester United to make a move for Jewell ahead of his move to Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team want the ‘best in class’ and Jewell is seen as the best recruitment figure in the UK.

But Chelsea have won the race, with Jewell set to start work at Stamford Bridge in November.

“Sam has now commenced a period of gardening leave. We thank him for his long service to our club,’ a Brighton statement read.

‘With immediate effect, Mike Cave, assistant technical director, supported by George Holmes, scouting and intelligence manager, will assume Sam’s responsibilities.’