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Bizarre contract dispute should ease Leeds United’s fears over Sporting’s reported Bielsa hijack

LOSC Lille coach Marcelo Bielsa looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Atalanta BC and LOSC Lille at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia ...
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Marcelo Bielsa has been linked with both Leeds United and Sporting.

LOSC Lille coach Marcelo Bielsa looks on before the pre-season friendly match between Atalanta BC and LOSC Lille at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on July 26, 2017 in Bergamo, Italy.

Leeds United are hoping to appoint their new manager this week, with Marcelo Bielsa still the leading candidate for the job.

The Whites sacked boss Paul Heckingbottom earlier this month, and owner Andrea Radrizzani is pushing for an ambitious appointment in Bielsa.

The Telegraph report that Leeds hope to appoint Bielsa as their new boss in the next 24 hours, luring the 62-year-old Argentinian to English football for the first time.

(FRONT L-R) Sporting's Portuguese defender Cristiano Piccini, Sporting's Argentinian forward Rodrigo Battaglia, Sporting's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Coentrao, Sporting's Portuguese...

Bielsa and his 3-3-1-3 system would be a huge change for Leeds, and fans are excited about his potential arrival, though have also been concerned about potential interest from Sporting in Portugal.

Record reported last week that Sporting had targeted a move for Bielsa to replace outgoing boss Jorge Jesus, with a possible attempt to hijack Leeds’ move for the former Lille boss.

However, Bielsa – whose decision making in the past has seen him labelled ‘El Loco’ – would be particularly crazy to join Sporting right now given the bizarre situation facing the Portuguese giants.

General view of the stadium prior the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first leg match between Sporting Lisbon and Viktoria Plzen at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 8, 2018 in Lisbon,...

As confirmed on the club’s official website, Sporting quintet Rui Patricio, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes, Gelson Martins, Daniel Podence and Bas Dost have all decided to terminate their contracts, and will only return if Bruno de Carvalho is ousted as president.

With top players leaving the club for free, Sporting are in a complete mess – and whilst Leeds have hardly been the most stable club in recent years, they seem safer than Sporting right now.