Derby County say training ground ‘spy’ is member of Leeds United staff

Derby released a statement saying that officers from the Derbyshire Constabulary were called to the Derby County Training Centre shortly before noon

Derby County on Friday said that the man spotted acting suspicious outside of the club's training ground on Thursday, and whose presence prompted the club to contact police, is a member of staff at Leeds United. The Rams face Marcelo Bielsa's side at Elland Road on Friday evening, and the visitors on Friday contacted their hosts regarding the training ground spy. "Derby County Football Club can confirm that officers from the Derbyshire Constabulary were called to the Derby County Training Centre at around 11:20am on Thursday 10th January 2019 following reports of a man acting suspiciously outside the premises," read the statement. "It has since been confirmed to Derby County that the individual concerned is an employee of the footballing staff at Leeds United Football Club. "The club is now in discussion with Leeds United club officials in relation to this incident. "At this time no further comment will be made." A previous statement had confirmed that the man was not arrested once found outside the training ground. "Officers conducted routine checks which were all above board. Despite media reports, no damage to the fence was found, and the man was stopped outside the grounds. "No arrests were made and the man was sent on his way." Leeds United top the Championship table ahead of Friday's match, with Derby sitting sixth in the table.