OPINION
The longer that Leeds United are without a manager, the more difficult their transfer window will be.
With the market cut short until the beginning of August, clubs need to get their skates on and get their business underway sooner rather than later, with the World Cup across June and July hardly helping their cause.
Paul Heckingbottom was not given the chance to conduct any sort of business before he was thrown out the exit door by Andrea Radrizzani, leaving the Italian scouring the footballing world for a replacement who he feels can achieve the club’s ambitions.
It seems as though he has sourced his prime target in the shape of former Lille manager Marcelo Bielsa, with the Argentinian coach possessing a calibre rarely seen in England’s second tier.
There would likely have been many doubters over whether the Whites could pull off such an ambitious deal, but reliable journalist Phil Hay has revealed that they are one step closer to his appointment, having agreed terms over the monetary element of his contract.
Money won't be an issue for Marcelo Bielsa. Happy with the package Leeds are offering. But still negotiating over plans, infrastructure and the way he wants the club to function under him. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 11, 2018
With that crucial element out of the way, it is now time for Radrizzani to push through and give him all the other demands he wants, for time is of the essence this summer.
Bielsa will want to run the rule over his new squad in order to judge where he needs to strengthen, and the sooner he can get that done, the quicker he can launch some moves to recruit new talent.
An immediate appointment is therefore Leeds’ top priority, and with the financial aspect of negotiations out of the way, it should not take too long to match his ambitions and get pen to paper.