Leeds have sacked Paul Heckingbottom after 16 games in charge, with veteran Argentinian Marcelo Bielsa the hot favourite to replace him at Elland Road.
Bielsa, 62, left French side Lille in December and is one of the most well respected coaches in Europe and back in South America – and he’s already the 1/2 favourite for the job.
Reports surfaced on Friday that Bielsa was being lined up as the possible new Leeds manager, and soon after the club announced that Heckingbottom had been sacked.
Bielsa has managed the Argentina and Chile national teams and has received glowing praise from the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino - who described him as a father figure and an innovator.
The former Athletic Bilbao and Marseille boss is by far the leading candidate for the role, with a real mix of names including Claudio Ranieri, Filippo Inzaghi and Mick McCarthy also towards the head of the betting.
Heckingbottom only arrived at Leeds in February as Thomas Christiansen’s replacement, but won just four of his 16 games in charge after the club had to pay £500,000 to bring him in from Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.
Leeds managing director Angus Kinnear said in a statement: "On behalf of the Board of Directors at Leeds United I would like to thank Paul for the commitment and passion he has demonstrated since he joined the club earlier this year. Paul came to us during a difficult period in the season and has conducted himself in an exemplary manner despite results not going as any of us had hoped."
"Our objective is to bring in a Head Coach with more experience who can help us reach the goals we have talked about since we became custodians of the club last summer. We are confident of making a quick appointment and we thank our fans for their continued support."
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Odds correct as of 1203 BST 01/06/18
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