Andoni Iraola was a leading contender for the Leeds job having led Rayo Vallecano to fifth in LaLiga; Leeds sacked Jesse Marsch on Monday with the club fourth from bottom in Premier League; Watch Leeds vs Man Utd live on Super Sunday from 12.30pm
Thursday 9 February 2023 12:08, UK
Rayo Vallecano have blocked Leeds United's move for head coach Andoni Iraola.
Iraola was a leading contender to fill the vacancy at Elland Road following the sacking of Jesse Marsch having taken the Spanish side to fifth place in LaLiga.
Leeds have been tracking him for a while and Sky Sports News understands Iraola is open to a move to Leeds and the Premier League.
He spent most of his playing career at Athletic Bilbao, playing under former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa. He also played alongside Leeds winger Jack Harrison for MLS side New York City.
Michael Skubala, Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas have taken temporary charge at Leeds until a replacement for Marsch is found, overseeing their 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Wednesday.
Leeds are also talking to other candidates on their shortlist. The club initially thought Feyenoord coach Arne Slot, the bookmakers' favourite, wouldn't be available so therefore he wasn't on their list, but they could now look to explore whether he may be an option.
West Brom head coach Carlos Corberan was one of the first names linked to the job having worked under Bielsa at Elland Road.
However, he signed a new deal at The Hawthorns on Tuesday night, and although he does have his admirers at Leeds, he was not on the shortlist of contenders to replace Marsch.
Spanish legend Raul was a target for Leeds after the sacking of Bielsa a year ago, but it is thought to be unlikely that he would leave his current job as reserve team manager at Real Madrid.
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani hinted an appointment was imminent by tweeting on Tuesday night: "Hopefully white smoke by tonight or tomorrow morning".
However, on Wednesday evening Radrizzani said: "Not yet...need more time."
February 12: Manchester United (H) - kick-off 2pm, live on Sky Sports
February 18: Everton (A) - kick-off 3pm
February 25: Southampton (H) - kick-off 3pm
March 4: Chelsea (A) - kick-off 3pm
March 11: Brighton (H) - kick-off 3pm
March 18: Wolves (A) - kick-off 3pm
