Norman Hunter, a former Leeds defender who was part of England's World Cup-winning squad in 1966, died of COVID-19 on Friday. He was 76. 

"Norman was taken to hospital last week after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and despite continuing to battle and the best efforts of NHS staff, he sadly lost his fight earlier this morning," Leeds said on their website  

Hunter, who earned the nickname ''Bites Yer Legs'' because of his tough tackling, made 726 appearances for Leeds and won two top-flight league titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup. He was also the first winner of the PFA Players' Player of the Year award in 1974. 

''Hunter was at the heart of the defense as the club became champions of England twice,'' Leeds said. 

He also played 28 times for England. Although he was in the squad for the World Cup in 1966, he did not play in a match at the finals in England. 

(With input from agencies)