Sources: Leeds seriously impressed by 'next Bielsa' who's stayed under the radar at Championship club

Sources: Leeds seriously impressed by 'next Bielsa' who's stayed under the radar at Championship club

Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

Published on

Leeds United have a growing interest in Blackburn Rovers manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed that Whites chiefs have been hugely impressed by the 46-year-old's transformation of Rovers in the 2022-23 campaign.

That admiration is not just due to the results Tomasson has achieved, but also due to the playing style implemented by the Dane - which is similar to revered ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.

This season, the Blackburn boss has mostly employed a high-tempo 4-2-3-1 formation which has proved fluid and interchangeable.

Tomasson also made a strong impression during his time in charge of Swedish giants Malmo, and a well-placed Leeds source has told Football Insider that he is increasingly seen as "the next Bielsa" by those inside the club.

It is believed that he will be a target for a summer appointment if Blackburn aren't promoted to the Premier League - with the Lancashire side currently outside the playoffs.

Up to now, Tomasson has stayed under the radar of football's elite clubs despite his successful career as a player.

Leeds still have Javi Gracia in the hot seat but the Spaniard has failed to inspire since succeeding Jesse Marsch in February.

The Spaniard, who is only contracted until the end of the season, has won just three of his 11 matches in charge at Elland Road.

Gracia's side sit 16th in the Premier League with five games remaining - but have built a buffer of just one point to the drop zone.

Leeds

Tomasson and Blackburn could move back into a playoff place on Monday (1 April) with a win over high-flying Luton.

The ex-striker has won 19 of his 43 league games in charge this season - his first campaign in England.

www.footballinsider247.com