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Aitor Karanka linked with Alaves move as Leeds United consider other targets

Dejected Leeds United fans (Reuters)
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The former Middlesbrough manager remains odds-on favourite to become the next Leeds United manager.

Middlesbrough manager Aitor KarankaFormer Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka

Aitor Karanka’s chances of becoming the next Leeds United manager appear to be decreasing.

The former Middlesbrough boss had been strongly backed to replace Garry Monk at Elland Road, following the appointments of former colleagues Ivan Bravo and Victor Orta as director and director of football respectively.

Ivan BravoLeeds’ director Ivan Bravo [far left]

However, AS reports that Spanish cup finalists Alaves are now showing an interest in Karanka, after Mauricio Pellegrino’s surprise resignation this week.

And a move to the side based in Vitoria-Gasteiz could appeal to the 43-year-old, who is a native of the Basque city.

Mauricio PellegrinoFormer Alaves manager Mauricio Pellegrino

The Yorkshire Evening Post has also cast doubt on Karanka’s Leeds chances, claiming he is not currently being considered by the Whites, despite being odds-on favourite with the bookies.

Former Leeds boss Simon Grayson and Michael Laudrup, who preceded Monk at Swansea City, have also been dismissed as contenders for the post.

Preston manager Simon GraysonPreston manager Simon Grayson

AS adds that Karanka has received interest from elsewhere in Europe and Asia, with Turkish giants Galatasaray also said to have “probed”.