Phil Hay delivers update from Bielsa sources on future at Leeds after shock Barcelona report

Phil Hay has said that Marcelo Bielsa hasn't signed a new deal with Leeds United yet but that sources from his end are "very confident" it will get done. 

That comes after a shock report in The Sun claimed that Lionel Messi had urged Barcelona to make Bielsa their new manager.

That story was taken down on Sunday and it stayed down, but not before sending shockwaves through some Leeds fans.

Writing on his personal Twitter account, Athletic journalist Hay said, "Checked at Bielsa’s end earlier. Nothing signed yet but they’re very confident it will get done."

Calm down and Premier League

We're still confident that Bielsa will sign.

He was spotted at Goodison on Sunday, watching the Everton v Bournemouth game, which suggests he's scouting for Leeds targets.

Bournemouth were relegated and players like Callum Wilson and Josh King could well be up for moves this summer.

Obviously we'll be happier when Bielsa signs a new contract and we're hoping that will be this week.

But Bielsa isn't a man who rushes things and as Hay said in a follow-up, he'll sign when he's ready, and not when tabloid stories dictate.

Things need to be agreed – budgets, levels of control, improvements at Thorp Arch, etc. Once all of those ducks are in place, we imagine that Bielsa will sign a new deal. And knowing Bielsa it won't be a long-term deal.

One report seems to have jumped the gun, claiming that Bielsa has already agreed a new one-year deal.

Hay's sources are immaculate and we think you can ignore that for now, although we wouldn't be surprised if he signs a 12-month deal. We're hoping for two.

In other Leeds United news, 'Much better offer': Club director claims Leeds have tabled big bid for £27m-rated int'l striker