Leeds turn attentions back towards Spain as Feyenoord boss Slot confirms rejection

A fresh insight into the efforts of the powers that be at Leeds United to source a new head coach has been provided late on Friday.

The subject of the managerial hotseat at Elland Road has, of course, taken its place front and centre in the headlines across the week to date.

This comes after the hierarchy in west Yorkshire came to the decision - amid what has proven a difficult campaign to date - to send boss Jesse Marsch on his way.

Attentions, in turn, have since been pivoted towards finding a replacement, set to be tasked with staving off relegation over the 2nd half of the term.

Jesse Marsch, Manager of Leeds United, gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road, Leeds, United Kingdom, 28th December 2022 (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images) (Alamy Stock Photo)

To this point, such efforts have come up short, with both Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola and West Bromwich Albion chief Carlos Corberan already understood to have rebuffed the advances of the Whites.

And now, on Friday, a third alleged target has ruled himself out of the running for the Leeds post.

The tactician in question? Arne Slot.

Widespread reports over the last couple of days had pointed towards Slot as the new frontrunner to make the move to Elland Road, highly appreciated by Victor Orta and co.

Speaking to the media this evening, the Feyenoord chief, however, definitively ruled out such a possibility:

'It is true that I will stay with Feyenoord, I can say that with this one. That is clear, fans do not have to be afraid.'

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds, as a result, have pivoted their search back towards Spain, and aforementioned Rayo Vallecano head coach Andoni Iraola:

'Leeds have not given up hope of prising the 40-year-old away and are prepared to pay his release clause of around GBP7 million,' it is claimed.

Arne Slot is the THIRD manager to reject Leeds job as Feyenoord boss opts to stay https://t.co/1HF7MGKcUt

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