Richmondshire resident and Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Sit Gary Verity is reported to be a surprise candiate for running the Premier League.
The 54-year-old, who lives in Coverdale, was responsible for bringing the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart to Yorkshire during his time in charge of the tourism agency.
He has also been responsible for developing the annual Tour de Yorkshire race.
The Premier League has been looking for a new boss since Richard Scudamore announced his intention to stand down after nearly 20 years in charge last summer.
In November, Discovery’s Susanna Dinnage was named as Scudamore’s replacement, but she later said she did not want the job.
That forced the league’s recruitment panel, led by Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck, to return to the shortlist and the recruitment process to reopen.
According to reports, Sir Gary has been sounded out about the prestigious role.
