The Leeds managerial race has taken another shocking twist as a new favourite for the job has emerged, according to the latest bookmakers’ odds.
SkyBet have priced former Real Madrid defender Fernando Hierro at 3/1 on Tuesday to become the next Leeds United manager, as the bookies’ odds undergo another dramatic reshuffle.
The sudden emergence of the 49-year-old into the Leeds managerial race will come as a considerable shock as the Spaniard had not previously featured on SkyBet’s betting market, or been at all affiliated with the vacant position at Elland Road.
Only 24 hours earlier, Victor Sanchez was the favourite at 7/4, but the former Real Betis manager has since dropped off to 9/2, despite reports that he has already held talks with the Championship club.
Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Phil Hay revealed on his personal Twitter account on Monday that Sanchez had been in contact with the club, but was not their first choice for the role.
he's being spoken to but there are other coaches they'd prefer.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 13, 2017
But the latest fluctuation sees Hierro priced as the new favourite to replace Garry Monk, who resigned from his post on May 25, and has since been appointed as Middlesbrough boss.
The Spaniard has held just two coaching roles since hanging up his boots in 2005, first serving as assistant manager to then-manager Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
He held the role at the Bernabeu between 2014 and 2015, before being handed his first full managerial role at Spanish second division side Real Oviedo in 2016.
But he lasted just one year at the club, and is currently on the look-out for a new position, hence his sudden link to the Leeds United vacancy.