Sources: Leeds United ready new manager appointment today after late-night development
Leeds United are in advanced talks to appoint Javi Gracia and an announcement is being prepared for Tuesday if discussions proceed smoothly, sources have told Football Insider.
Former Watford manager Gracia is in pole position to land the job until the end of the season after emerging on Monday as one of two names under consideration by United as they re-explore an interim manager hire following their latest U-turn.
Football Insider revealed on Monday morning that the Leeds hierarchy were planning to abandon the strategy of leaving Michael Skubala in charge until the end of the season after Saturday’s defeat by Everton pushed them deep into the relegation mire.
Now, Leeds are closing in on an interim appointment on an initial four-month deal amid fears they could head back into the Championship if a major change isn’t made soon.
Saturday’s clash against Premier League bottom club Southampton is shaping up as a decisive match and the Whites fear their losing run will continue without an experienced hand in the dugout.
Director of football Victor Orta is under increasing pressure to find the right man, 15 days from the club sacking Jesse Marsch.
Attempts to bring in Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola and Feyenoord’s Arne Slot were unsuccessful, with both too difficult to prise from their current roles, while Carlos Corberan snubbed a short-term offer to sign an improved West Brom contract.
They have now targeted two more names with Gracia free after leaving Qatari club Al-Sadd and understood to be willing to accept a short-term deal.
Leeds are offering a four-month contract with a multi-million pound bonus to keep the team in the Premier League.
Negotiations advanced on Monday night and the deal could be finalised as early as Tuesday, with an announcement lined up.
Leeds reached out to former Liverpool and Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez but he is holding out for a different Premier League project amid strong West Ham interest.
Gracia, 52, coached Watford from January 2018 to September 2019 and was a popular figure among staff.
He guided Watford to Premier League safety and took them to only the second FA Cup final in their history before he was sacked after a poor start to the season.
His last job saw him retain the league title with Al-Sadd after he took over as coach from Xavi, who had left for Barcelona. Gracia has also coached at Valencia, Malaga and Rubin Kazan.
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