Leeds United make ‘offer’ to former Barcelona manager as Nuno ‘issue’ emerges

Leeds United have been in contact with former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino as they continue their search for a new manager, according to reports.

The Yorkshire club sacked Jesse Marsch eight days ago after Leeds lost 1-0 to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest the day before.

Leeds have managed one point from their back-to-back matches with Man Utd since the American’s sacking and they currently sit one point and one place outside of the drop zone.

They ended their interest in appointing former Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder yesterday with former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo and Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola the two current favourites to replace Marsch at Elland Road.

However, a new name has entered the race on Tuesday with TNT Sports in Argentina claiming that former Barca boss Martino has been ‘contacted’ by Leeds over their vacant managerial position.

Martino was most recently in charge of Mexico in their disappointing World Cup campaign which saw them finish third in their group behind Argentina and Poland as they headed for an early exit in Qatar

The report adds that Martino ‘did not have a good experience in charge’ of Mexico but that ‘he already has offers’ to get straight back into management.

Leeds ‘has already contacted’ Martino over taking over at Elland Road ‘with the intention of him being the replacement for Jesse Marsch and avoiding relegation’.

And although he has ‘not yet ruled out the offer’ from Leeds, he has also had La Liga outfit Valencia showing an interest in his services.

90min have also brought an update on other candidates with the report outlining the reasons for Leeds dropping their interest in Schreuder.

The report claims: ‘Schreuder’s lack of experience in England and recent performances were real concerns. It is also believed that fan reaction, which was almost unanimously negative, also played a part in the deal not being greenlighted by [Andrea] Radrizzani.’

Former Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard ‘has shown an interest’ in the job with the Liverpool legend keen to bring former Leeds midfielder Gary McAllister back to Elland Road, as part of his backroom staff, if he’s appointed.

A move back to the Premier League ‘does appeal’ to Al-Ittihad manager Nuno but Leeds could struggle to get the former Wolves manager out of his contract at the Saudi Arabian club.

90min adds: ‘One issue with a deal for Nuno is that he does have a release clause worth up to £8m and it remains to be seen if Leeds would pay that.’

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