Brendan Rodgers is no longer in the running for the vacant managerial role at Leeds United.
That is according to the Athletic, who report Rodgers has given firm indications he does not want to drop into the EFL despite the best efforts of San Francisco 49ers Enterprises.
Various reports have indicated Celtic are now very much the frontrunners for Rodgers despite the Daily Record claiming late last night Leeds were making an 11th hour hijack of their pursuit.
Rodgers was believed to be one of the 49ers’ favoured options but they will now need to focus their attentions elsewhere.
Leeds are determined to make an appointment as soon as possible and are still hoping for one this week, with Daniel Farke and Carlos Corberan the leading contenders.
Rodgers out of Leeds running
It is clear that 49ers earmarked Rodgers as their priority target but ultimately, someone shouldn’t have to be persuaded like this to become the manager of Leeds.
It is good to hear the ambition from the 49ers so early into their reign as majority shareholders, but it is now paramount their contingency plan is of a good level.
Farke and Corberan both have excellent track records in the Championship, with the former having won the title twice with Norwich City.
He would also make sense given Leeds are reportedly keen on making Stuart Webber their new sporting director, with the two having worked very well together at Carrow Road.
Corberan, meanwhile, has done stellar jobs at both Huddersfield Town and West Bromwich Albion, and is said to have a £2 million release clause in his contract at the Baggies.
The former Leeds assistant took Huddersfield to within 90 minutes of the Premier League on one of the smallest budgets in the division, while also guiding West Brom to the brink of the play-offs last season after taking over with them in the bottom three.
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