Former Leeds United sporting director Nicola Salerno is set to join Watford as a consultant for the club's overseas recruitment

The 58-year-old’s departure from Elland Road was confirmed this afternoon after both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract, which had one more year to run.

Despite reported interest from Serie A side Palermo, Salerno has decided to link up with the Golden Boys as a consultant to help their recruitment in Europe. He will not have the title of director of football.

Luke Dowling’s position as sporting director at Watford will not be affected by the Italian’s position at Vicarage Road.

Salerno began his career in his native Italy and worked for a number of teams across the country including Cagliari, formerly owned by Massimo Cellino, Grosseto, Catania, Messina and Foggia.

He was appointed sporting director at Leeds United last summer by Cellino, the club’s controversial owner, and is believed to have played a key role in the arrival of 15 players to Elland Road.

In April, Salerno handed in his resignation following speculation about his position. That came in the aftermath of former United assistant head coach Steve Thompson’s suspension.

Thompson was suspended over an “internal issue” until the end of the season and his contract, which expired this summer, was not renewed.

Cellino subsequently claimed he'd been told “that Salerno was disrespected by Thompson” after Leeds’ 3-0 win over Fulham on March 18, something that sources close to Thompson denied.