Leeds United are still on the hunt for a new manager as they plug along with Michael Skubala as the temporary coach in charge of the first team.
A defeat to Nottingham Forest proved to be the last straw for Jesse Marsch’s time at the club, with his winless run seeing him sacked as manager.
Leeds’ trip to Manchester United last night did not bring a permanent replacement before the match, with Michael Skubala taking the squad as they drew 2-2 at Old Trafford.
A replacement is being lined up in the hope to be in as soon as possible, potentially before Sunday’s return meeting with the Red Devils at Elland Road, but the identity remains somewhat unclear.
Here, we look at all the latest information on Leeds’ search for a permanent successor to Marsch…
Carlos Corberan to Leeds?
One manager who is 100% off the table is West Brom boss Carlos Corberan, who was reported by Fabrizio Romano to be part of the shortlist when Leeds’ search first began.
However, the Baggies swiftly put an end to speculation by tying down the Spaniard to a new deal:
Andoni Iraola to Leeds?
Up next for Leeds was their priority target, Andoni Iraola, who is plying his trade with Rayo Vallecano at the moment, guiding them to fifth in the La Liga table and just three points behind Atletico Madrid in the Champions League places.
Revealed first by The Athletic, the 40-year-old looked to be Victor Orta’s key target, but talks yesterday did not yield an agreement, as Orta flew back to England empty-handed and with hopes of landing the La Liga gem in tatters.
Arne Slot to Leeds?
Following reports of Iraola being set to stay at Vallecano, it emerged that Leeds were turning to Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as their latest target.
As revealed by Romano above, Slot has spoken to ESPN Netherlands about the prospect of an offer from Leeds, to which he seems receptive to that chance.
However, it’s not a stance shared by Feyenoord’s general manager Dennie te Kloese, who said this to Voetbal International:
“I have not heard anything from Leeds, neither officially nor unofficially. I also know Leeds as a correct club, so I don’t believe they are playing this behind our backs. Last summer, the transfer of Luis Sinisterra also went in a very neat, correct way.”
Feyenoord are looking to sit Slot down for talks over a contract extension in the near future to reward him for his fine work to get them to the Europa Conference League final last term and secure Europa League football this term, while they sit top of the Eredivisie and are fighting on three fronts for silverware.
Who should replace Marsch long-term?
Arne Slot
Andoni Iraola
Marcelo Gallardo
Other?
Who else?
In terms of concrete links to other managers, the only other key name being still mentioned is that of Marcelo Gallardo, formerly of River Plate.
The Argentine was linked via The Times earlier in the week, but he has since been spotted at a music festival in South American in the last few days, suggesting a return to management is not currently on his agenda.