By Joe Ellis

31st Oct, 2022 | 2:40pm

Leeds United are 'big fans' of Julen Lopetegui as PL club launch bid

Leeds United are said to be big fans of former Real Madrid and Spain manager Julen Lopetegui, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon.

The 56-year-old is currently a free agent in the market after being sacked by Sevilla and has already been approached once by the Whites’ Premier League rivals Wolves.

Lopetegui opted not to join the Midlands club initially after his father passed away but in the weeks that have past, Wolves are now ready to try again to make the Spaniard their new boss.

“News of the Wolves interest may also reach Leeds United who are big fans of Lopetegui and are struggling to make an impact this season under Jesse Marsch,” Nixon said via his Patreon (30 October).

This news came before Marsch led his Leeds side to victory at Anfield courtesy of an early goal by Rodrigo and then a late winner from Dutch youngster Crysencio Summerville.

Backwards step

Despite Lopetegui’s availability and vast experience with some very big clubs in Europe, Leeds are trying to build something under Marsch and seemingly back him 100 per cent.

Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani believe in his ideas and his ability as a head coach so they surely won’t risk sacking him if Lopetegui becomes available with a completely different style of play.

It was proved against Liverpool that what Marsch wants to try and do can work on the day and while there will always be times where it doesn’t in the Premier League, there are enough positive signs for the American to be safe from the axe right now.

Hindsight could see Leeds regret not hiring Lopetegui if he turns around the rapidly sinking ship at Molineux – if he’s even hired – but they can’t base their decisions on what might happen in the future when right now is what is most important.

In other Leeds United news, this international manager has been waxing lyrical about two Whites players who could play a major part in the World Cup.