Big-name Dutchman firmly on Leeds 17/18 radar, been on his way for a while - reliable journalist
By Richard Parks
Leeds United wanted Jaap Stam before appointing Thomas Christiansen last summer, according to a reliable journalist.
Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Phil Hay reported on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that the Dutchman was firmly on Leeds' radar following the exit of Garry Monk at the end of last season.
Hay explained how Stam could have ended up at Leeds following Reading's announcement that the former Manchester United defender has been sacked.
Stam has paid the price for a wretched run of results in which Reading have won just one out of their last 19 league matches and have slipped to 20th in the table, within three points of the relegation zone.
Saturday's 3-2 defeat by Norwich City left the Royals without a win in their past nine Championship matches.
Football Insider verdict:
Leeds could hardly be said to have dodged a bullet with Stam, given their team's plummet down the league has been almost as stark as Reading. Sure, United are not fighting relegation but mid-table mediocrity beckons for them this season after an underwhelming campaign under Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom. Stam's star was on the rise this time last year and his side never recovered from their Wembley penalty shoot-out play-off heartbreak. That does not mean he is not a fine manager who cannot be a Championship success. His CV is still more impressive than either of the two men who have managed Leeds this season.
In other Leeds United news, it can be revealed that NINE senior players at the club are in Radrizzani's firing line and fighting for their jobs.