From Spain: Gracia now ‘close’ to signing Leeds contract according to ‘sources close to negotiation’

Javi Gracia is ‘close to joining Leeds United’ as their next managers as they continue to seek Jesse Marsch’s replacement at Elland Road.

That’s according to EFE and COPE, who say ‘sources close the negotiations’ have confirmed that a deal is close to being finalised.

Leeds have been on the hunt for Marsch’s replacement over the last two weeks but have endured a frustrated pursuit, being rejected by the likes of Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola.

They’ve had an interim team in charge since then but the weekend defeat to relegation rivals Everton have pushed the club into finalising a permanent appointment.

Gracia has emerged as the surprise candidate, with reports in England showing him arriving at Elland Road for talks about the position.

EFE and COPE confirm as much, stating that ‘sources close to the negotiations’ have confirmed that Gracia is ‘close to joining’ Leeds as their next manager.

They make no mention of the nature of the deal he will be signing at this point, just that he is close to becoming the sixth Spanish manager in the Premier League.