Marcelo Bielsa the favourite in next Leeds manager betting

By Billy Cundall

Image: Marcelo Bielsa is currently the favourite for the Leeds job

We look at the contenders to become the next Leeds United manager following the sacking of Paul Heckingbottom.

The former Barnsley boss has left the club after just four wins in 16 games and owner Andrea Radrizzani will now begin the search for a successor capable of leading his club back to the Premier League.

Here is a look at the leading contenders for the position according to Sky Bet odds…

Marcelo Bielsa (4/7 with Sky Bet)

Odds-on for the Leeds hot seat is former Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa. The 62-year old, who also managed the Chilean national team, has been reportedly targeted by Leeds owner Radrizzani and is touted because of his attacking flair and focus on possession-style football.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola labelled him as "the best coach in the world", and Leeds might feel the Argentine can help them regain Premier League status.

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Claudio Ranieri (4/1 with Sky Bet)

Next in the running for the Leeds job is Premier League winner Claudio Ranieri. The former Leicester City boss would provide experience in managing high expectations, and could bring the winning mentality required to succeed in West Yorkshire. The Italian veteran is without a club since parting company with Nantes, and Leeds could provide the perfect opportunity for Ranieri to get back into English football.

Mick McCarthy (6/1 with Sky Bet)

Steering away from the continental options, Mick McCarthy is next in line after his resignation from fellow Sky Bet Championship outfit Ipswich. The experienced boss knows the league well, and has knowledge of how to achieve promotion to the Premier League, having secured it with both Sunderland and Wolves.

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Filippo Inzaghi (12/1 with Sky Bet)

Another Italian coach linked with the vacancy is ex-AC Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi, who is currently in charge of Serie B outfit Venezia. Reports last week suggested talks between the two parties had taken place, but his limited CV would surely work against him given Leeds' official statement insisted "our objective is to bring a head coach with more experience".

Jaap Stam (14/1 with Sky Bet)

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam link might not prove the most popular choice, but he did take the Royals to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off final in the 2016/17 campaign, before parting company earlier this season. Stam has been without a job since March , and the vacancy at Elland Road could prove perfect for the Dutchman to return to management if Leeds are to look beyond his past.

Other options

Sam Allardyce partners Stam at 14/1, after recently losing his job at Everton. The former England boss has experience of achieving promotion, and could be an attractive proposition. Michael Laudrup is next up in the betting (16/1), while Alan Pardew and former Leeds player Gordon Strachan are both priced at 20/1.

Odds correct as of 1520 01/06/18 and subject to change

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