Exclusive: Stoke City in advanced talks to poach senior Reading figure as Alex Neil eyes big changes

Stoke City are in advanced talks to appoint Reading’s head of scouting Jared Dublin as their head of recruitment, TEAMtalk understands.

Stoke have been searching for a new head of recruitment for over a year and they have moved for Dublin as they look to get their backroom team in place ahead of the transfer window.

The Potters have had a reshuffle of their recruitment set-up with head of football operations Andy Cousins and chief scout Tommy Coakley having both left the club this year.

Technical director Ricky Martin is keen to bring in a new head of recruitment to help Alex Neil’s side and he has earmarked Dublin for the role at the Championship club.

Dublin is highly regarded within scouting circles after spending six successful years at Sheffield United prior to his move to Reading last February.

In his time at United, the Blades were promoted to the Premier League and finished ninth in their first season in the top-flight under Chris Wilder with the American playing a key role in identifying a number of successful signings for United in the transfer market.

Dublin’s departure will come as a blow to Reading as they prepare for life in League One next season following their relegation from the Championship.

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