Rayo Vallecano locked in daily talks with Andoni Iraola as Leeds United pursue deal
Leeds United have tried to appoint Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola as their next manager this month but the Spanish club are in no mood to let him go.
Rayo’s Sporting director, David Cobeno spoke to Spanish newspaper AS, has suggested that the club are locked in daily conversations with the manager, amid interest from the Whites.
The Spanish club trust the 40-year-old manager and Cobeno has confirmed that their main objective is to tie him down on a new deal.
“Don’t worry, because we trust Andoni a lot. There is a close relationship. Communication is daily and fluid. Although there was interest, we knew that Iraola was going to continue with us,” said Cobeno to AS, when asked about interest from Leeds.
“Yes, it is the main objective. We are super happy with him and he with the club, the fans, the atmosphere. Let’s hope that this makes it continue for another season. We will have it difficult because many teams will play in summer. Playing Europe would be a claim, for those who are there and those who could come.”
Moving on
Following in the footsteps of Marcelo Bielsa, if we can call it, Leeds earmarked him as the prime candidate to replace Jesse Marsch.
The Whites have been unsuccessful in luring him to Elland Road, and so far, they have faced real problems in appointing their next manager.
Carlos Coberan was named as an option but he chose to continue with West Brom and signed a new contract instead.
Likewise, Feyenoord manager Arne Slot was also considered but they have failed to bring him to Elland Road either.
Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is being linked, but Fabrizio Romano reported on 12 February that he is looking for different projects at the moment.
In such a scenario, the Whites are running out of options. Former River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo was in the frame and the club did make an offer, but he was quick to refuse it.
Michael Skubala, the club’s caretaker boss, is in charge for the second game in a row against Manchester United, but the Whites are looking to appoint someone before the game against Everton.
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