Leeds United are facing competition from Valencia for manager Marcelo Gallardo if they decide to move for the Argentinian coach.
The Whites are currently on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Jesse Marsch earlier this week following a poor run of form that has left them on the edge of the relegation zone.
They have been linked with managers all over Europe since, with Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola and Feyenoord’s Arne Slot believed to be the leading candidates.
Gallardo has also been put forward as an option, particularly because he is currently without a job after leaving River Plate at the end of December.
That means he is readily available to take up a new position and available for free, unlike both Iraola and Slot, whose clubs will require compensation.
Leeds are not the only ones in the mix for the Argentine, though, with Plaza Deportiva reporting that Valencia have also been in contact about a potential deal.
They explain that the Spanish side ‘have made a move’ to find out if Gallardo would be interested in the job at the Mestalla, which is currently vacant after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure.
An intermediary claiming to speak on behalf of the La Liga side has been in touch with the Argentine coach directly ‘a few days ago’ to sound out his opinion on the club and talk about potential contract terms.
This fits in with what has been reported elsewhere, with reports in Brazil stating intermediaries had been in touch with Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira.
Either way, it appears that if Leeds do consider Gallardo a candidate they would be wise to make their move sooner rather than later, with some parties already working to try and get him to Valencia.
