Fabrizio Romano has told Caught Offside that Leeds United are trying to keep talks over a manager “secret” but they are entering “key stages” ahead of an appointment – after the club pulled the plug on a move for Alfred Schreuder.
Schreuder, 50, was in the stands at Elland Road on Sunday. Out of work since being sacked by Ajax in January, a move looked likely. But fans were not impressed on social media and a move was rejected by Leeds, despite his attendance.
Since then, The Mail report that Steven Gerrard and Nuno Espirito Santo are options. Argentine outlet TNT claim Leeds have made contact with ex-Barcelona and Argentina boss Tata Martino. It is unclear if there are any other options.
Romano has delivered an update in our search of a new manager. He says that there are two or three options that are being considered – but Leeds are trying to keep things a “secret”. It is unclear when an announcement will be made.
“Leeds have two or three managerial candidates still being considered after they decided to make the Alfred Schreuder talks collapse. They want to keep it secret as conversations now enter into key stages,” Romano told Caught Offside.
Romano: Leeds keeping manager talks secret but entering key stages
Nuno is at Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad and he will cost a fee of £8million. The right man, but whether Leeds are ready to splash out in order to get him on what could be a short-term deal, remains to be seen. Gerrard is out of work.
But he is not as proven in the Premier League as Nuno, nor as successful. For Martino, he is vastly experienced but at clubs fighting at the other end of the table. There are links to Marcelo Bielsa – but is that what Leeds need right now?
The best move is to surely, pay up and bring in Nuno. But if they are unwilling – or if Nuno would rather remain in the Middle East – Gerrard is the next best option. Martino would be a better option in the summer, when he has time.
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