Leeds ‘start exploratory talks’ with ex-Olympiacos boss as ‘great offer’ for another manager is revealed | OneFootball

Leeds United have opened talks with Al Gharafa boss Pedro Martins about the possibility of him replacing Jesse Marsch, according to reports.

The Yorkshire club sacked Marsch at the start of last week after they lost 1-0 to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Michael Skubala has taken charge of back-to-back Premier League matches against Manchester United in which Leeds drew one and lost one.

And Skubala will now stay in place in his caretaker role as Leeds continue to find their new permanent manager after a number of setbacks.

A statement read yesterday: “Leeds United can confirm Michael Skubala will continue to lead the men’s first team for the club’s upcoming fixtures.

“Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas will carry on supporting Michael, alongside the backroom team already in place.

“Skubala, Gallardo and Armas have overseen two positive performances over the last week against Manchester United and will lead training ahead of this weekend’s Premier League game against Everton at Goodison Park.”

Skubala commented: “I have really enjoyed the experience and the team and staff have responded well.

“I know I speak for Paco and Chris when I say that it is an honour to be on the touchline at this club.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to help to push on up the table in the short term, whilst the board focus on the long-term future of the team.”

One of the managers they missed out on was Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola but Leeds were reportedly unwilling to pay the release clause to enter official talks.

If Leeds keep Skubala in the job until the end of the season then Spanish website Union Rayo say that the Premier League side could have a good chance of landing Iraola as Rayo ‘know that it will be very difficult to get Iraola to continue’ beyond the end of this campaign.

There are two reasons for this: firstly, Leeds made a ‘great offer’ for his services and secondly his current contract at the La Liga club ends on June 30.

And Portuguese newspaper O Jogo