Sources: Southampton battle Leeds United to lure top manager target Marcelo Gallardo
Southampton have joined Leeds United in the battle to lure feted Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo, sources have told Football Insider.
The 47-year-old is on the target list of the two Premier League clubs, who are both searching for a new manager following Sunday developments.
Southampton sacked Nathan Jones earlier in the day, while Leeds have drawn a blank since dismissing Jesse Marsch on Monday.
United have made moves for Andoni Iraola, Arne Slot and Carlos Corberan during the past week but all approaches and offers have been knocked back.
They have also been linked with making a proposal to Gallardo that has also been rejected even though he is currently out of work.
Argentine outlet TyC Sports suggest the former River Plate boss is in “no rush” to return to management before the end of the season.
Gallardo is believed to prefer starting a new project in the summer as it will provide him the freedom to assemble his own squad.
That has dented Leeds hopes of luring him but he is still believed to be a top target even if they have to wait to get him.
Southampton are also admirers of Gallardo as they draw up their own shortlist of candidates to replace Jones.
The three-time South American Coach of the Year has been out of a job since leaving River Plate last December following a trophy-drenched spell.
He is the most successful manager in the club’s history and won a total of 15 trophies with his boyhood club.
In other news, Leeds United star ‘nailed on’ to leave this summer could now sign new contract