Leeds have reportedly held talks to bring in Rafa Benitez amid the news Javi Gracia has emerged as the no.1 contender to take the Whites job – but 90Min claim he has also been ‘suggested’ to West Ham as a replacement for David Moyes.
Gracia has emerged as the man that could end up taking the Leeds job. Initial reports said Leeds were in talks and now, The Mail say the ex-Watford man is open to a short-term deal. That is likely to suit Leeds with 15 league games to play.
But Leeds are not only looking at Gracia this week. Indeed, enquiries have been made at Elland Road to bring in Rafa. However, the ex-Newcastle, Everton, Liverpool and Chelsea boss is said to be waiting for another job to come along.
Now, 90Min claim that it is not just Leeds that have shown interest in making Benitez the club’s manager. Indeed, West Ham could also move. Moyes’ side have entered the relegation zone following the weekend’s results, losing to Spurs.
It is claimed by a number of outlets, Moyes’ job is under threat and he could be sacked if they lose to Forest on the weekend. So, it could be that Benitez – having been the subject of a Leeds enquiry – could end up at West Ham.
Leeds hold Benitez talks but he has been suggested to West Ham
While there is a growing belief among Leeds fans that the club need to shy away from the style of football imposed under Jesse Marsch and Marcelo Bielsa – Benitez would be the polar opposite. That could be too much of a change.
Leeds fans have become accustomed to attacking football and the squad is styled around that. So, a sensible mix of pragmatic, defensive football but still giving license to the attacking stars to shine makes sense. Gracia is that.
