A number of clubs in the Premier League and Europe are exploring a deal to recruit Borussia Dortmund director of scouting and recruiting Sebastian Krug.

The German played a key role in Dortmund’s recruitment of Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, with those players generating around £300m in transfer income for Dortmund.

Krug was also heavily involved in bringing Jobe Bellingham to the Bundesliga side from Sunderland last summer, continuing Dortmund’s successful strategy of recruiting elite English talent.

Krug played a pivotal role in identifying the Bellingham brothers at an early stage and has built a close relationship with the Bellingham family over a number of years.

The family are understood to keep their inner football circle deliberately small, with Krug remaining in regular contact with their father, Mark Bellingham.

Krug’s central role in Dortmund’s talent identification model has significantly enhanced his reputation within Premier League circles.

In fact, senior executives at several of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are understood to regularly exchange views with Krug on recruitment strategy, talent identification and wider developments across the game.

Krug is also making an impression in Serie A, having recruited some of Italy’s brightest young talents.

After almost a decade at Dortmund, there is a growing sense that the time may now be approaching for Krug to take the next step in his career.

It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad – and potentially to the Premier League.

Stevie McKenna is ‘locked in’ on an all-Irish showdown with Callum Walsh after delivering a dramatic victory in Dublin, says his manager Mike Borao.

McKenna produced a spectacular knockout victory over Owen O’Neill that went viral on social media before his younger brother Aaron was crowned IBF middleweight champion in the main event of Zuffa Boxing 10 on Saturday.

On the same bill, Walsh preserved his unbeaten record with a hard-fought win over Tyler Denny and could now be heading for an explosive clash with Stevie McKenna.

“At the moment, Stevie is locked on one fight – Callum Walsh in a major stadium in Ireland or New York. It’s all he talks about,” his manager Borao told Sky Sports.

“The crowd’s reaction after the fight, when Stevie asked if that’s what they wanted to see next, made it clear this would be a major attraction.

“Stevie has even mentioned to me that he would be open to stepping up against [WBA world champion] Erislandy Lara next.

“We’ll sit with our partners at Zuffa and decide what’s next for Stevie. They’ve been outstanding. That relationship already delivered a world title for Aaron in short order, and I have no doubt a major opportunity will follow for Stevie.”

McKenna has returned with first round knockout wins over O’Neill and Casey James Streeter in June since his first career loss on points to Lee Cutler in December 2014.

Borao, who secured an IBF world heavyweight title fight for Frank Sanchez, has also guided Teofimo Lopez to a WBA welterweight title fight against Rolly Romero later this month, and believes Stevie McKenna is next to land a major fight.

“Zuffa and Sky Sports have been incredible for Aaron and Stevie’s careers,” said Borao.

“It’s remarkable how involved Dana White and Zuffa are in backing their athletes. Aaron and Stevie have never received this type of support.

“Stevie is must-see TV – his latest knockout proved it, but the best is yet to come!”

Watch MVPW-06 in Birmingham, headlined by Mikaela Mayer vs Chantelle Cameron and with Caroline Dubois also in action, live on August 29 on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream boxing with no contract.