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Leeds United could offer Patrick Viera 'immediate return' to management - Alex Crook
Leeds United could offer Patrick Viera an “immediate return” to Premier League management with the former Crystal Palace manager held in high regard within the Elland Road boardroom, according to Alex Crook.
Viera led the Eagles to a 12th-place Premier League finish last season before being given the boot after a 13-match winless run in the Premier League this campaign.
TalkSPORT chief football correspondent Crook has reported that Viera was on Leeds’ shortlist when Jesse Marsch was fired in February and that they could revisit this interest, considering Javi Gracia’s contract is only valid until the end of the season.
“Patrick Vieira could be offered an immediate return to Premier League management by Leeds,” he wrote. “The sacked Crystal Palace chief was on Leeds’ shortlist when Jesse Marsch was fired in February.
“Despite his Selhurst Park dismissal, the Arsenal legend’s stock is still high in the Elland Road boardroom.
“With Javi Gracia only contracted until the end of the season, there is every chance Leeds revisit their interest in Vieira.”
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Intriguing option
Although Gracia’s future is by no means sealed, the fact that Leeds are keeping their options open beyond the end of the season can only be a good thing.
Viera was hard done by to be sacked by the Eagles this term, and he has certainly proved himself as a Premier League capable manager during his short stint at the club.
The former Arsenal legend adopted a defined attacking philosophy at Selhurst Park – a style of play which would be welcomed with open arms at Elland Road.
Both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch were heralded for their high-tempo style of play within the Leeds United faithful, and Viera would bring a similar brand of football to the West Yorkshire club.
With Viera supposedly keen on a return to Premier League management and the Whites no closer to deciding upon a long-term manager, the 46-year-old should be seriously considered for the role in the Elland Road dugout.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites may now be able to land a target they made an approach for in January with his club now waiting for £20million offer.
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