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Punchy financial detail emerges as Leeds United aim to close in on Jesse Marsch successor

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Leeds United are in search of a new manager with Andoni Iraola of Rayo Vallecano reported to be among the candidates.

That’s according to a report from Phil Hay in The Athletic, who has identified the 40-year-old as someone who could be a contender to take over in the Elland Road hotseat.

Leeds sacked Jesse Marsch earlier in the week with their Premier League status under threat once more this season. Iraola is believed to be on a shortlist of managers which includes Arne Slot of Feyenoord, per a report from The Telegraph.

The Whites face Manchester United twice this week, and it is yet unclear if they will have a manager in place for either game against their bitter rivals.

Quiz: Can you remember Leeds United’s last 15 results v Man United ahead of midweek clash?

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February 2022, Elland Road?

Spanish journalist Marcos de Vicente has described Leeds’ pursuit of Iraola as “unlikely” to be successful, due to his high release clause, he said: “Andoni Iraola has a fairly high clause. And the club is not going to negotiate for his departure.”

He believes that the Whites would have to spend a lot to pry him from Rayo’s hands, he added: “Leeds would have to scratch their pockets a lot if they want to get him out of Rayo Vallecano. I see it highly unlikely.”

De Vicente believes that it would cost in excess of €10 million in order to complete a deal for the Spaniard, he said: “I don’t know the exact amount, but more than 10 million, yes.”

He is out of contract at the end of the season, so the report is somewhat surprising. Whether this impacts any move for him is unclear, with Fabrizio Romano and the Daily Mail both also claiming that Iraola is the top priority for Leeds as things stand.

Leeds need to get this appointment right but also can’t afford to hang around too long, given their current predicament.

Leeds are in a precarious position, and although sacking Jesse Marsch was the right decision, the club really ought to have had a replacement lined up as soon as possible.

Iraola would be a magnificent appointment but not if it costs a fee that high when he is out of contract this summer. The Spaniard would be a big upgrade in terms of his football on the ball, with lots of wide play and automations whilst also playing in transition.

The counter-attacking play out wide side of his philosophy very much suits the squad presently, with many fast attacking options on Leeds’ flanks.

Who should replace Marsch long-term?

Arne Slot

Arne Slot

Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola

Marcelo Gallardo

Marcelo Gallardo

Other?

Other?

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