Leeds United have made contact with with Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce over the vacant job at Elland Road as they plot a stunning u-turn from talks with Marcelo Bielsa, claim the Telegraph.
The newspaper reports that while the Whites are still in negotiations with the Argentinian boss, they are wary that discussions may collapse over his doubts of managing in the Championship.
As a result, they are said to have conducted a u-turn from looking at an unproven foreign boss to one of the second tier’s most recognised faces in the form of Villans boss Bruce, whose own job is under threat as a result of the financial crisis at Villa Park.
It is stated that Bruce has not given a definitive response to whether he is open to the Leeds job, but that the Whites will push for him should discussions with Bielsa fail.
Opinion
Bruce seems a much more sensible option if Leeds are seriously considering making a push for the top six and while he might not be the exciting renegade that fans want to see come in, his knowledge of the division is unrivalled. He has proven himself to be an expert at securing promotion to the Premier League during his time with both Birmingham City and Hull City, and while he might demand some hefty transfer fees to bolster the squad, at least Andrea Radrizzani would be able to have faith that his money was being wisely invested – something which cannot be said about last summer’s transfer window. It seems as though Bielsa is first choice but there is no doubt it will be difficult to convince him of making a move to the side which finished 13th in England’s second tier, considering his time in some of Europe’s top divisions as well of continental competitions.