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Phil Hay says 47-year-old boss ‘presented strongly’ in Leeds interviews this week

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Patrick Vieira is one of the favourites to take over at Leeds United as manager and Phil Hay has written in his latest Athletic piece the Frenchman ‘presented strongly’ in interviews this week – with an announcement expected soon.

Vieira, who turned 47 on Friday, is considered one of three favourites to take over at Leeds in the Championship. He is one of three names to be strongly linked with the Elland Road vacancy, alongside Daniel Farke and Scott Parker.

Farke and Parker both have two Championship promotions on their CV, albeit with sides that they were expected to gain promotion with. Farke at Norwich twice, Parker at Fulham and then Bournemouth. Carlos Corberan, also linked.

Patrick Vieira during Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace.
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Vieira meanwhile, is yet to manage in England’s second tier. But, he impressed without shining in spells at New York City – alongside Jack Harrison – and then at Nice. With Palace he started well, tailing off after 18 months as boss.

Hay reports in his latest article that Vieira was one of the managers that held an interview with Leeds this week – and ‘presented strongly’ to Paraag Marathe and Angus Kinnear. Leeds are happy with the strength of the interviews.

“Though Vieira was still at Crystal Palace at the time, the thought of taking charge at Leeds appealed to him. He is said to have presented very strongly this week, although Leeds were pleased with the interviews as a whole.”

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Patrick Vieira presented strongly in Leeds interviews this week – Phil Hay

Who will be appointed? Farke seems to be the safe option of the three aforementioned. Safe, but solid. Vieira is a bit more of a risk, but perhaps one that will excite fans more so. Parker seems to have drifted out of the reckoning a bit.

But there is no doubt that a surprise name could enter the fray at this late stage, given the amount of interviews and the time taken to bring in a new manager. Corberan is liked at Leeds. Hopefully, an announcement will be soon.