OPINION
With Paul Heckingbottom out the door at Leeds United, it appears as the man the board want to replace him with is Marcelo Bielsa.
It is clear to see why the Whites are so infatuated with the Argentine boss, with his pedigree and reputation greater than nearly every one of his potential rivals in the Championship.
With Europa League experience under his belt, as well as time in some of the top leagues on the continent, he is the sort of exciting change that the Elland Road faithful want to see going forward – but of course plans this ambitious are going to take some planning to pull off.
Reliable journalist Phil Hay states that the two parties are in advanced negotiations over a deal but that Bielsa wants to see the club bringing in some reinforcements before pre-season kicks off in two weeks, setting a crunch deadline for the likes of Victor Orta and Radrizzani.
the serious negotiating has only been going on in the past week. There’s a lot to iron out, including transfers. Bielsa has been doing analysis of the current squad.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 8, 2018
he’d want some deals done before pre season starts
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) June 8, 2018
pre-season starts two weeks on Monday. Won’t be long until we get to the crunch of yay or nay. Early next week probably.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) June 8, 2018
If Bielsa really is their top target, then the top brass at Elland Road best pull their finger out and launch an imminent swoop for an exciting target, or face the bitter heartbreak when the Argentine boss turns down their approach.
They would not be the only ones disappointed were he to rebuff their advances, with fans getting psyched up about the possibility of a maverick coach at the helm when they have played it safe for so long.
The Whites have been linked with a whole host of names this summer – now it is time to put their money where their mouth is and get a deal done to convince Bielsa they mean business.