Setback for Leeds in managerial search as Andoni Iraola turns down move

 • Leeds searching for successor to Jesse Marsch

On Tuesday night, the West Brom head coach, Carlos Corberán, once Marcelo Bielsa’s assistant at Elland Road, put an end to suggestions of a return to Yorkshire by signing a new contract at the Hawthorns.

Iraola’s decision to remain in La Liga leaves Leeds’s hopes of introducing a new manager to the Elland Road crowd when Manchester United visit on Sunday, very much in the balance.

The 40-year-old Iraola, who has led Rayo Vallecano to fifth in La Liga and whose tactical philosophy is centred on the pressing game Marsch’s predecessor, Bielsa introduced at Leeds finally emerged in public to tell Spanish journalists he was going nowhere.

It is thought Leeds are targeting managers currently in work but it is not inconceivable that, should they meet further closed doors, directors thoughts could turn to the immediately available Rafael Benítez or Ralph Hasenhüttl.

Other options for Leeds sporting director Victor Orta reportedly include the Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou and Bodø/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen. 

Orta is an admirer of Mauricio Pochettino but it is unlikely that the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham manager would relish involvement in a relegation fight.