‘Bielsa can change his mind quickly’ – Exclusive: Mills reacts to Phil Hay’s big Leeds reveal
Danny Mills has stressed the importance of tying the “exceptional” Marcelo Bielsa down to a new contract at Leeds United.
The former Elland Road right-back, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, admitted promotion is “absolutely vital” to a potential deal with other clubs “sniffing around” the Argentinian.
Football Insider revealed that Bielsa, who is out of contract on 30 June, is set to sign an extension to his current contract to keep him at the club until the end of the season.
The Championship is targeting a return to action on 12 June, so the club will table the 64-year-old a new short-term deal at Elland Road that will tie him down until the end of the season.
The Athletic‘s Phil Hay revealed that “all bets are off” regarding Bielsa’s future if Leeds fail to gain promotion to the Premier League.
When asked by Football Insider if he was growing concern about the Argentinian’s future at the club, Mills said: “Promotion is the key. That is absolutely vital.
“I have seen rumours that there are other clubs sniffing around him already and looking to tempt him away.
“Nobody is surprised by that given what he has done and the reputation he had before that was exceptional.
“It is really important for Leeds to get in there, get him tied down and get that sorted.
“It would at least give the club some sort of stability going forward for next season.
“But Bielsa can change his mind very quickly and that is the only downside.”
According to Italian outlet L’Arena, Hellas Verona are thought to be keen on the 64-year-old if their current manager Ivan Juric is to leave.
Bielsa is primed to take Leeds back to the Premier League for the first time since 2004 as they sit top of the Championship with nine games to play.
In other Leeds United news, Kevin Phillips has told Football Insider experienced defender should make Ibrox switch.