Leeds United fans have called on Twitter for their club to make Claudio Ranieri their next manager.
They responded in their droves after a ESPN report named the Italian as a “leading contender” to fill the managerial vacancy at Elland Road following Garry Monk’s resignation.
Owner Andrea Radrizzani is said to be looking at a number of possible candidates for the role, but wants to employ an experienced manager and is hoping to meet with Ranieri to discuss his future plans.
United announced Monk’s resignation on their official website on Thursday afternoon after he turned down the club’s offer of a 12-month contract.
Leeds fans were excited on Friday by the prospect of their club placing 2015-16 Premier League title winner Ranieri in charge.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
Ranieri was always my late Grandads fav premier league manager. Would be special if we pulled this off. #lufc
— Lee Thompson (@lufcThommo) May 26, 2017
as much as we loved Monk. Ranieri is an upgrade. Plain and simple #lufc
— Brandon Yates (@Brandon7Yates) May 26, 2017
Scenes if we get Ranieri. #lufc
— TomLohan (@TomLohan) May 26, 2017
Ranieri would be sick!! ????? #lufc
— Billy Gardiner (@gardiner004) May 26, 2017
Ranieri would be a great fit for #lufc Ranieri, Grayson, Pep, or Poyet would be my list of names #lufc
— The Bremner Whites (@BremnerWhites) May 26, 2017
Ranieri? Yes please #lufc
— Nathan Gale (@galenj01) May 26, 2017
Claudio Ranieri? please please be true #lufc
— Oliver Medd (@OliverMedd7) May 26, 2017
Leeds after Ranieri ?! Jesus ! That would be a great appointment!
— Woodward (@Shaun_LUFC) May 26, 2017
Ranieri is available after being sacked by Leicester in February 2017, just one season after leading them to the title.
The 65-year-old took charge at the King Power Stadium in July 2015 and managed the club for two-and-a-half seasons.
Ranieri boasts an impressive CV having managed the likes of Juventus, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.
The ESPN report comes after Sky Bet placed Aitor Karanka as 8/11 favourite to take the reins at Elland Road.
Leeds finished seventh in the Championship this term after a drop-off in form towards the end of the season saw them slip out of the play-off places.