Jonty Banks

Mon 12 June 2023 7:40, UK

Leeds United managerial target Steven Gerrard has had a lucrative approach to take charge of Saudi side Al Ettifaq, according to the Daily Mirror.

The 43-year-old has been in talks with the Whites recently about succeeding Sam Allardyce at Elland Road, having been out of work since being sacked by Aston Villa last October. [Football Transfers, 6 June]

After Andrea Radrizzani agreed for 100% of the club to pass hands to the 49ers Enterprises, the path has been cleared to search for a new manager for the upcoming Championship season.

Al Etifaq finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League last campaign under Spanish boss Antonio Cazorla, but the club are looking to follow both Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr in their summer splurge by targeting Gerrard.

“The Liverpool icon has been linked with Leeds but his head could be turned by a lucrative move overseas,” the Daily Mirror wrote. [12 June, page 53]

Question marks

Although Gerrard was thoroughly impressive at Rangers, his spell at Aston Villa did his managerial resume no good whatsoever.

As soon as assistant coach Michael Beale – who was often regarded as the brains behind the operation – left Villa Park, Gerrard looked more clueless by the week.

With a team that has since shone under Unai Emery and qualified for European football, the Liverpool legend was leading them towards an embarrassing relegation.

Potentially his time away from the game has helped sharpen up his managerial nous, but there are still several question marks around his name.

The Leeds United job is one hell of a task following their relegation from the Premier League, and it feels like Gerrard could be slightly overawed by the job.

He wouldn’t be the worst option on the club’s managerial shortlist, but the likes of Carlos Corberan are likely to be a more popular option within the Whites fanbase.

In other Leeds United news, a two-time Championship winner is now on the cards to be the new manager according to Phil Hay’s latest update.