Blow for Leeds as Romano provides gutting Iraola update; Slot confirms no contact from Orta
Rayo Vallecano head coach Andoni Iraola will not be joining Premier League club Leeds United, according to Fabrizio Romano.
West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan immediately emerged as the favourite to replace Jesse Marsch after the American was sacked on Monday.
However, the former Whites assistant coach penned a new Baggies contract on Tuesday, ending any speculation over his future.
Leeds’ attention then turned to promising Spanish coach Iraola, who is currently in charge of Rayo Vallecano.
Iraola led his side to promotion last year and they are more than holding their own in La Liga as they sit fifth after 20 games, ahead of the likes of Villarreal, Real Betis, and Athletic Bilbao.
A report from the Daily Record claimed that the 40-year-old has asked to leave Vallecano in order to join Leeds.
He is apparently ‘desperate to work in the Premier League’. If this is the case, it looks like he will have to wait a while before doing so.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Iraola will be staying at Vallecano.
Romano wrote on Twitter on Thursday morning: ‘Andoni Iraola, now set to stay at Rayo Vallecano despite Leeds United job talks.’
Sky Sports and talkSPORT had reported prior that Vallecano had ‘blocked’ Iraola’s departure.
The Italian journalist also reported on some quotes from Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, who is another reported candidate to replace Marsch.
Slot’s side are currently top the Eredivisie and qualified for the Europa League knockout stage as group winners.
Slot also guided Feyenoord to the inaugural Europa Conference League final last term and Leeds believe ‘his intense and aggressive approach fits what the club want’.
The Dutch manager was asked about interest from Leeds, admitting that he has not received any contact from director of football Victor Orta.
“Have not heard anything. I have read it, I follow Voetbal Primeur and Voetbal International. I haven’t seen anything on my phone,” Slot told ESPN Netherlands.
“What will I do when a message comes in from Leeds? Open the message.”
Leeds Under-21s boss Michael Skubala took charge of the 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Wednesday.
“This is temporary, I’ll go back to my old role when this is done,” Skubala said on the club’s search for a new permanent boss. “I’m just getting through this first game. Whatever happens between tomorrow and Sunday remains to be seen.
“I’ve seen change quite a lot so it’s important to be calm. It’s been busy, but it’s a good challenge. The owners are working really hard behind the scenes to find the solution.”
It was an impressive result for the Whites, though they will feel aggrieved having been 2-0 up in the second half.
The hosts fought back through goals from in-form Marcus Rashford and substitute Jadon Sancho.
Leeds are currently 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.
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