Manager that rejected Leeds in February is now in talks to join Marcelo Bielsa’s old side

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French website Le 10 Sport claim Marcelo Gallardo is in talks to take over Marcelo Bielsa’s old side Marseille on a two-year deal this summer after he ended his long stint at River Plate – having rejected a move to Leeds in February.

Gallardo, 47, is one of the most-sought after managers in European football this summer after his spell as River boss came to an end – lasting north of eight years, clocking up 424 games. He won 12 honours as manager in that time.

A report from Argentine outlet TyC Sports claimed in February that Leeds had made Gallardo an offer to replace ex-manager Jesse Marsch. But, Gallardo requested time and subsequently rejected the offer to join Leeds mid-season.

Remaining without a club until now, Gallardo has been linked with a number of new teams. The latest to open talks with Gallardo is Bielsa’s old side Marseille. Le 10 Sport claim a two-year deal is on the table for the Argentine boss.

Gallardo in talks to take over Marseille having rejected Leeds move

Gallardo is a manager with massive, yet unproven potential in Europe. He has clearly worked wonders at a club where he has an affiliation – having played for River. If that translates to quality in Europe, remains to be seen.

But there is no doubt that Gallardo is worth the risk and at a club like Marseille, pushing for honours and in with a chance of Champions League qualification – Gallardo has the perfect platform to springboard his European spell.

For Leeds, Gallardo would have been the perfect next Bielsa. He was not available at the time of Bielsa’s sacking, and now in the Championship, there is no chance he would consider Leeds. Leeds ‘really want’ Brendan Rodgers.