Marcelo Gallardo is considered to be Leeds United’s first pick to replace Jesse Marsch as the Whites continue to search for a new boss.
That’s according to iNews, who claim that Leeds would love to bring Gallard to Elland Road and seemingly view him as the top target.
It’s suggested that Gallardo was the number one choice when Marsch was sacked just a few days ago, but they seemingly didn’t receive much encouragement.
Yet with a deal for Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola now seemingly difficult, Leeds could return with another attempt to land Gallardo.
A move to Elland Road still feels a little unlikely given that Gallardo is currently on sabbatical, taking time out of management after leaving River Plate.
Leeds aren’t giving up though and will hope to eventually convince the Argentinian to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Marcelo Bielsa.
Who is Leeds United target Marcelo Gallardo?
Gallardo, 47, may actually be a recognisable name to some from his playing days.
A midfielder back in the day, Gallardo notably turned out for River Plate, Monaco, Paris Saint-Germain and the Argentinian national team.
Gallardo featured for Argentina at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, meaning he played under Leeds icon Marcelo Bielsa – a man Gallardo loved and publicly backed.
After hanging up his boots in 2011 with Nacional, Gallardo took charge of the Uruguayan side and racked up 23 wins in 39 games.
Gallardo made an emotional return to River in 2014 and he went on a run of almost unprecedented success as manager.
River racked up 14 trophies under Gallardo including two Copa Libertadores titles and one league title in 2021.
Gallardo won three South American Coach of the Year awards during his time in charge of River whilst Pep Guardiola has even praised Gallardo for his ‘incredible’ work at River.
When Gallardo left River in December 2022, many thought he would have a number of European clubs throwing themselves at him.
The right opportunity hasn’t come along just yet but this would be an enormous coup for Leeds if they can somehow pull off a deal.
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