Leeds or Southampton might have now made a move to hire Vitor Pereira as their hunt for a new manager continues.
What’s the story?
Well, both Leeds and Southampton are still managerless after failing to find replacements for Jesse Marsch and Nathan Jones respectively.
Now – according to journalist Wanderley Nogueira – one of the Premier League duo may have lodged an enquiry to hire Pereira, who is currently in charge of Flamengo.
The 54-year-old is said to dream of working in the Premier League, and would be likely to ask Flamengo if he can leave should the initial enquiry develop into an official proposal.
Neither Leeds or Southampton are actually named by Nogueira – it is just said that a Premier League side have approached Pereira.
However, it feels safe to assume that it is either the Whites or the Saints who have sent the enquiry, as they are the only teams in England’s top-flight without a manager.
Nogueira adds that Pereira has a release clause in his contract, so Leeds or Southampton would be able to lure him away from Flamengo pretty easily if they trigger it.
Leeds or Southampton could make controversial manager choice
In our view, hiring Pereira would be a controversial move from Leeds or Southampton, based on what happened between the Portuguese tactician and Everton.
The Goodison Park faithful took to the streets of Merseyside to protest after Pereira emerged as the outright favourite to replace Rafa Benitez, with many furious at the choice.
Pereira was relegated to the third tier of German football with 1860 Munich in 2017, and has not exactly shown much in recent years to suggest he would thrive in the Premier League.
Therefore, if Leeds or Southampton gave him an opportunity, it would prove to be a significant gamble – especially as both sides find themselves in danger of relegation.
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