By Sam Stone

9th Feb, 2023 | 9:40am

Ange Postecoglou stance at Celtic emerges amid Leeds United manager speculation

Celtic chiefs are confident Ange Postecoglou would reject any approach from Leeds United after the Australian was linked with the vacant Elland Road hot seat, according to the Daily Record.

Leeds have made Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola their number one target to replace Jesse Marsch, but The Hoops boss had previously tipped to make the move south of the border.

Although Record Sport suggest Postecoglou was likely to reject any potential approach, with the Australian currently happy in Glasgow.

“Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou had been linked with the vacancy, although Record Sport reported that Parkhead chiefs were confident the Aussie would reject any advances from Leeds given his happiness at Celtic,” they wrote (Daily Record, 8 February).

Andoni’s to lose

If reports are to be believed, it feels as if this is Iraola’s to lose. He’s got a growing reputation and it’s easy to see why the board are targeting him. He’s in a similar mould to previous managers who have been in charge at Elland Road and could well be a good fit in West Yorkshire.

Postecoglou will undoubtedly manage a Premier League club in the future. Celtic are a huge club, and their fans will debate that until the end of time, but the money south of the border means any opportunity which arises will be far more attractive.

The Australian certainly has the character and personality to be the manager of Leeds United, but now isn’t the right time for the 57-year-old to depart Park Head. It appears the Whites are heading in a different direction and it’s absolutely vital they get this appointment spot on.

If it is Iraola who takes the job, he needs results and he needs them fast.

In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.