Leeds United have reached a verbal agreement with former Lazio and Marseille manager Marcelo Bielsa less than 24 hours after sacking Paul Heckingbottom, according to Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.
The reliable journalist, who works for Argentine broadcasters TyC Sports, claimed on his personal Twitter account on Friday night that only one things remains for Bielsa to succeed Heckingbottom at Elland Road is his work permit.
Amplío lo de Bielsa: ya tiene acuerdo de palabra con Leeds, la autorización de la FA para dirigir y lo único que resta es que Inglaterra le dé el permiso de trabajo. https://t.co/ApcnejEA8Y
— César Luis Merlo (@CLMerlo) June 1, 2018
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani took the decision to sack Heckingbottom on Friday, just four months after hiring him to replace Thomas Christiansen.
The Whites finished the season 13th in the table, despite the ex-Barnsley man taking charge while they were still in contention to finish in the play-offs.
Good move for Leeds?
Bielsa is a top class coach and while he has been nicknamed as ‘El Loco’ for his erratic behaviour, he is the kind of manager who can lead United back into the Premier League.
Radrizzani and Victor Orta have done well to pull this off but they must back him in the transfer window now and let him build a squad that he wants.
Bielsa has managed some top clubs across Europe and also has international experience from being in charge of Argentina and Chile.
He can become a real hero at Elland Road if he kickstarts a bid to return to the top-flight.
This is Futbol rating 9/10
Likely to happen?
It appears that it is just a matter of time before Leeds appoint Bielsa to replace Heckingbottom.
A work permit should not be an issue for a man who has worked in Europe for most of this decade.
This is Futbol rating 9/10