LEEDS want to speak to former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira over their vacant managerial role.
Vieira, 46, was axed by the Eagles in March having not won a game in 2023 and has been out of work ever since.
Patrick Vieira could be set to return to English footballGetty
The Arsenal legend is one of three managers in the running for the job at Elland Road, with Scott Parker and former Norwich boss Daniel Farke also in the running.
Talks had been held with West Brom manager Carlos Corberan, a former coach at Leeds, but the relegated club have decided against appointing the Spaniard – despite being a favourite among supporters.
Corberan worked under Marcelo Bielsa having started out as the Under-23s manager at the club.
Leeds would prefer to appoint a manager who is not already contracted to a club, meaning they would not have to pay compensation.
Despite having been relegated back to the Championship, the Whites are also keen to appoint a manager with Premier League experience as they look to bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Leeds had wanted to speak to former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.
But he was reluctant to work in the Football League and has returned to Celtic.
Former Bournemouth and Fulham manager Parker, who has twice been promoted out of the Championship, was also in the running for the Leicester job.
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The Foxes, however, have appointed Enzo Maresca on a three-year deal after he helped Manchester City to their historic treble as one of Pep Guardiola‘s assistants.
Farke, who was sacked by German side Borussia Monchengladbach after one season earlier this month, twice won the Championship with Norwich.
Leeds’ relegation back down to the second tier comes after they returned to the top flight in 2020 following a 16-year wait.