Sam Allardyce is reportedly close to replacing Javi Gracia at Elland Road as Leeds battle relegation.
Former Everton and Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce is on the verge of being installed as Leeds United manager until the end of the season, according to reports.
Leeds are embroiled in a relegation battle and Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth looks set to be Javi Gracia’s final game in charge of the Yorkshire club, which is outside the Premier League relegation zone only on goal difference.
Spaniard Gracia was appointed in February as successor to Jesse Marsch but has failed to halt Leeds’ decline, winning just three of his 11 league games in charge. Leeds have already this morning confirmed the departure of their Spanish director of football Victor Orta.
Allardyce has earned a reputation as a survival specialist having previously guided clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland, and Crystal Palace to top-flight safety after taking over mid-season, although he was unable to keep West Brom in the Premier League in 2020-21, which was his most recent managerial job.
If he is confirmed as Leeds manager, he would have just four games to save the club from relegation and would face an uphill struggle given those games are against Manchester City, Newcastle United, Spurs, and West Ham.
