Feyenoord boss Arne Slot has said he’s flattered after an approach from Leeds United, but it’s likely he he will stay with the Dutch side until the summer at least.
The Dutch coach has been heavily linked with the manager’s job at Elland Road this week as Leeds hunt their replacement for Jesse Marsch.
He had been named on a shortlist of three candidates being eyed by Leeds chief Victor Orta after impressing in the Netherlands this season, leading Feyenoord to the top of the Eredivisie.
Further reports yesterday had indicated that he had become Leeds United’s number one target after they failed to get Andoni Iraola from Rayo Vallecano, with reports in England stating that the Whites were pushing to get a deal over the line.
It appears that won’t be happening, though, with Slot confirming he won’t be leaving Feyenoord in a press conference today.
De Telegraaf quote the manager as saying: “I’m staying, I’m just staying trainer of Feyenoord. I can say that now. There has been contact between the clubs, but we are working on something beautiful here.
“It is a combination of both. The club was very clear. It is a compliment that a club like Leeds United is interested. It is a wonderful club in England, but it is not a disappointment or a punishment to continue at Feyenoord. We are doing very well on many fronts. In the league, we are still in a European tournament. I will continue with great enthusiasm.”
Leeds United are now left to assess the other options they have for the vacancy, with several names now moving out of the market.
There’s no clear option right now to take over immediately, with managers tending to prefer to wait until the summer before they take on such a project.
