‘Gary O’Neil is a leading contender for Leeds’ as Daniel Farke replacement lined up
Gary O’Neil has emerged as the “leading contender” to replace Daniel Farke if Leeds United decide to part ways with their current manager.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that O’Neil is still highly rated after his previous Premier League spells.
The former Wolves boss has been out of the game since leaving Molineux almost exactly one year ago, but has been linked with multiple positions in recent weeks.
O’Neil had been considered for a return to Wolves, while Championship outfits Middlesbrough and Southampton have also attempted to lure him in.
Leeds are the latest club to glance in the 42-year-old’s direction, as they eye a new option to keep them in the Premier League after what has been a difficult start.
Leeds United eye Gary O’Neil after Daniel Farke news
Brown told Football Insider on 1 December that Farke is facing growing calls for his sacking with the club to be forced into making a decision “soon”.
As a result, the former scout who has a wealth of experience working alongside elite-level managers including Sir Alex Ferguson for over a decade at Man United, insisted work is already ongoing to identify the best replacement for Farke.
“Gary O’Neil is one of the options Leeds will be having a look at,” he told Football Insider.
“They’re looking at a few options already because they will want somebody lined up and ready to come in if they do decide to get rid of Farke.
“O’Neil has a strong reputation after his time at Bournemouth and Wolves, and he’s still highly rated in those circles, he’s been spoken about a lot.
“He’s got experience in the Premier League and keeping teams up, which is always a bonus and something I’m sure Leeds will be looking at.
“Plus, he’s going to be available to step in immediately which will be another boost to his chances of getting that job, if it’s something he is interested in.
“It’s a bit of a different style to what they’ve got at the moment, but they feel they need a change if they are going to turn things around, so I expect he will be a leading contender.”
How long Leeds will give Farke to save his job
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Leeds will give Farke two games to save his job as they are desperate to turn around results as soon as possible.
Following their defeat to Man City, Leeds will face tough fixtures against both Chelsea and Liverpool in the next week, which could seal the manager’s fate.
Leeds have now dropped into the relegation zone, and while they remain level on points and goal-difference with West Ham, there are fears they could soon be left behind.
Farke’s side lost 3-2 to Man City last time out, having fought back from 2-0 down in the second half before Phil Foden‘s late strike snatched all three points.
While the performance was not one of a defeated and deflated team, failing to pick up any points from a strong position yet again has led to further concerns.
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