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Javi Gracia wants long-term deal at Leeds United as manager news drops
Javi Gracia has started talks with Leeds United about becoming their new manager but would prefer a long-term deal at Elland Road, according to Mo Ibrahim.
The Whites have reached out to former Watford boss Gracia as an option to succeed Jesse Marsch as manager, with Rafa Benitez also considered but yet to be contacted. [90 Min, 20 February]
After interim manager Michael Skubala took charge of the first team for their dismal loss against Everton on Saturday (18 February) the club has sprung back into life in their search for a new manager.
Ibrahim, who is the English site editor for Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio, revealed (20 February) that Gracia preferred a long-term contract with the West Yorkshire club after talks got underway.
He wrote: “More on Javi Gracia situation – Leeds United are speaking to him about the possible length of contract.
“Been told he prefers a long-term deal and is willing to join them.”
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Closer
After travelling all over Europe in their search for Marsch’s successor, it seems like the club may have finally landed on somebody who is out of a job and willing to take on the tough task at Elland Road.
At such an awkward position in the season, it was always going to be hard to find somebody who ticked all he boxes, and now it’s unclear as to whether Gracia is actually keen on taking the job on a short-term deal, as the Daily Mail reported on Monday(20 February).
The ideal scenario for Leeds was going to be that Gracia, who has been through 12 senior management jobs in 15 years, would be somewhat of a firefighter before the club continued to search for a long-term boss in the summer.
At this point though, Gracia holds all the aces and can demand whatever he wishes due to the desperation of Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani. Leeds fans have been here before in the last fortnight, but it does finally feel like they are making several significant steps towards appointing a new manager this week.
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.
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