Speaking on Sky Sports, Tim Thornton has delivered an update on Leeds United’s search for a new manager and Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard has been named as one of Leeds’ top targets this week, but discussions are seemingly at a halt now according to The Athletic.
Thornton is led to believe that Rayo Vallecano have actually blocked Leeds’ move for Iraola, stating that his understanding is that the 40-year-old is himself open to a move to Elland Road.
Iraola open to a move
Thornton shared what he knows about Iraola’s stance on taking the Leeds job.
“We told you about Andoni Iraola. The Rayo Vallecano manager, Leeds were keen on him, but Rayo Vallecano have blocked Leeds’ move for him. Leeds have been tracking him for a while. It is my understanding that the coach himself is open to a move to Leeds and to the Premier League. This is one to watch, but Leeds have been keen on him for a while,” Thornton said.
Hurdles to clear
The fact that Iraola is open to a move to Leeds is encouraging, but that doesn’t mean that a move is easy.
Indeed, if Vallecano are indeed blocking this managerial switch, then Leeds need to find a way to clear this hurdle.
It has been reported that the 40-year-old has a £9m release clause, and Leeds could trigger that, but they do need to weigh up whether or not it is worth it to pay such a high fee for a manager who is unproven at Premier League level.
There are other options out there, and Leeds may want to explore the market before going after Iraola for such a high compensation fee.
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