Leeds United’s chances of securing Tata Martino as their new manager may have just been handed a serious boost as Valencia are out of the running.
The Whites are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Jesse Marsch last week and have been linked with names all around the world after failed attempts to get Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot from Rayo Vallecano and Feyenoord respectively.
One of the names thrown into the mix had been Argentinian boss Gerard Martino, with a report today stating that Leeds had been in contact with the 60-year-old about the position.
That report also claimed that they would face competition from Valencia, who, at that point at least, were also on the hunt for a new manager after Gennaro Gattuso’s departure.
That, though, is no longer the case as the Spanish side have just announced former midfielder Ruben Baraja as their new manager.
That means Leeds now have a free shot at Martino, although they will have to work hard to convince the former Mexico boss to make the move to Elland Road.
The report on their interest earlier today made it clear that he would prefer to start working at a new club from the summer onwards so he would have time to build the team and work with the players.
Arriving in the middle of February in the midst of a relegation battle would then, seemingly, not appeal to him at this point.
Leeds, therefore, might have some work to do but if they are keen, at least one major hurdle has been moved out of the way.
