John Terry set to become sporting director of Al-Shabab

Terry has worked as assistant manager at Leicester City and Aston Villa

John Terry is expected to be named the sporting director of Saudi Pro League team Al-Shabab, reports French outlet Sports Zone.

John Terry left his position as Leicester City's assistant coach in the summer and is now employed at the Chelsea academy. Retired Chelsea defender Terry was expected to become the Saudi team's manager, but according to Sports Zone, he would instead serve as the organization's sporting director.

Terry turned down the opportunity to lead Al-Shabab but is interested in the position of sporting director, particularly due to the short-term agreement the Gulf State club is offering.

ex-England colleague of Steven Gerrard, who presently oversees Al-Ettifaq, Terry would join a number of other former Premier League stalwarts in the Saudi Pro League.

The Englishman, who has spent the past year serving as an advisor in Chelsea's development academy, would now assume his first full management position.

According to reports, the West London club will permit him to leave his position in the young setup for Saudi Arabia as a token of appreciation for the commitment and loyalty shown to Chelsea over the years.

While playing at Chelsea, Terry won five Premier League championships and the Champions League, establishing one of just six players who appeared more than 500 times for the team.

Despite not currently being one of the top Saudi Pro League teams, Al-Shabab's ambitious owners perceive Terry's extensive playing background as a strong selling point for recruiting new players.

Terry has experience as a coach and has aided Dean Smith at Aston Villa and Leicester City, but he hasn't yet been given the top position in England.

If his coaching career is even remotely as profitable as his footballing days, Chelsea might contact him at some point. A move to Saudi Arabia might be just what he needs to get things started.