Leeds United’s hopes of landing Andoni Iraola as their new boss appear to be dwindling after he declared his focus on Rayo Vallecano.
The Whites chose to sack Jesse Marsch on Monday after less than a year in the job.
The American was struggling for results and the 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest proved to be the end.
Finding a replacement for Marsch hasn’t been easy though, with a number of candidates seemingly fallen by the wayside.
Carlos Corberan chose to stay put with West Bromwich Albion whilst Arne Slot has made a similar decision with Feyenoord.
Leeds are looking at other candidates, such as the former Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder, but it looks like Andoni Iraola won’t be heading to Elland Road.
Andoni Iraola focused on Rayo Vallecano amid Leeds United interest
Leeds have, rather interestingly, been targeting somebody who played under Marcelo Bielsa.
Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola has been a key target for Leeds in this managerial search.
The Spaniard featured prominently for Athletic Club under Bielsa and his history with the Argentinian could be key for Leeds.
Iraola, 40, became Rayo boss in 2020 after previously coaching AEK Larnaca and Mirandes.
In two-and-a-half years at Rayo, Iraola has become one of the top young managers in the game and Leeds have been very interested.
However, the Daily Mail carry quotes from Iraola in which he states that he is fully focused on Rayo.
“It’s true that there has been noise but my situation hasn’t changed. I’m still focused on Rayo,” said Iraola.
The Mail’s report claims that Rayo have refused to give Leeds permission to speak to Iraola unless his £7million release clause is paid.
Iraola needs to pay that clause and make it clear that he wants to leave – something he seemingly isn’t keen to do right now.
Add that to his comments and it looks like Iraola will end up being another name to cross off the list for Leeds.
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