Leeds United in talks with Rangers title-winner Steven Gerrard amid competition from Leicester City
Steven Gerrard is in talks with Leeds United over the vacant manager role but is also speaking to Leicester City, Football Transfers reports.
The Liverpool legend has been out of work since being sacked by Aston Villa in November, where he took over after winning the SPFL title at Rangers.
He is looking to get back into work, and the relegated rivals are reportedly both investigating his appointment as they plot a return to the Premier League.
Sam Allardyce was confirmed to leave Elland Road on Friday (2 June), but bringing in his replacement has been left “pending” until the ownership situation is resolved [Phil Hay, 6 June].
However, a sale has finally been agreed for 100% of the club to pass into the hands of 49ers Enterprises, clearing the way for movement at manager.
The Whites were thought have held talks with the ex-England captain after they sacked Jesse Marsch [Talking Transfers, 14 February], and he was named the “early front-runner” by The Times (2 June) when Allardyce left.
Right man?
Clearly it’s not only Leeds United who think he could do a job for them if Leicester are also talking to Gerrard, but compared to some of the other names linked his recent record might leave some fans concerned.
His achievements at Ibrox aren’t in doubt after he led Rangers to their long-awaited 55th league title, but after he bolted for the Premier League and Aston Villa he had far less success, and his reign has been made to look even worse by the stunning turnaround performed by successor Unai Emery.
The Championship might be the perfect level for the 43-year-old to rebuild his reputation with a push for an immediate promotion.
But the Whites can’t afford to make mistakes after returning to the second tier after three seasons, with the window to make a return to the top flight diminishing significantly the more time that passes.
Making a definitive decision early would have been ideal, but that has already been hampered by the wrangling over the ownership.
Unless the 49ers have been represented in the discussions with Gerrard it may now mean restarting the conversation following the purchase agreement, which could lose valuable ground on the Foxes.
It already appears that one favourite option in Brendan Rodgers, is out reach, and the longer the sale drags on for the more chance there is that other choices will be secured elsewhere.
It finally seems like the takeover is here so whether it is Gerrard or another candidate perhaps the fans are finally in line to get some answers about what the club will look like next season.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has shared a “surprise” update on one high-priced player who looks set to stay at Elland Road next season.