Andoni Iraola told Rayo Vallecano he wanted to explore Leeds United job – Phil Hay
Andoni Iraola told Rayo Vallecano this week that the Leeds United job was something he wanted to explore, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist shared that the Whites were not persuaded otherwise in their talks, but the Spanish club has since stood firm over his release clause.
Victor Orta has been unable to clear the impasse between the clubs so far, with talks currently deadlocked as he searches for Jesse Marsch’s replacement.
Writing in his latest column for The Athletic, Hay shared what he knew about the Whites’ pursuit of the Spaniard over the past week.
“Leeds believed Iraola wanted the job and nothing in their discussions about him persuaded them otherwise.
“Iraola has tried to be respectful to Rayo Vallecano and their president, Martin Presa, but he told his club that Leeds was an opportunity he wanted to explore and, if a final offer was there, an opportunity he was tempted to take. Rayo Vallecano stood firm over his release, though, and refused to let him go.
“Orta was unable to clear the impasse and those talks have been deadlocked for days.”
Over to you.
There has always been a section of Elland Road that has never quite been behind Orta and his work over the years, and this huge decision could win them around.
Of course, if it continues to come up in failure, the boo boys are going to have something to say over Orta as the Whites fight off relegation in the Premier League.
With games against Everton and Southampton to follow the showdown with Manchester United, this is a critical point of the season for Leeds and whoever their new manager may be.
Despite failing with Iraola so far, the talk has always been that Leeds could return to that one and not that the door has been fully slammed in their face.
Iraola appears open to the challenge should something happen, but as of today, the Spaniard is staying put, something that Leeds fans will hope to change very soon.
All eyes are on Leeds right now, and maybe Vallecano.
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