Leeds United linked manager Patrick Vieira is set for a return to management with three Premier League clubs having made him an offer.
That is according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, who report Vieira is currently taking some time off since leaving Crystal Palace to recharge his batteries, but is expected to start work again this summer.
Vieira was fired from his role at Palace in March after a run of 12 Premier League games without a win that left them briefly in the battle to beat the drop.
Even while he was still at Palace, it was reported by the Athletic that Vieira was open to replacing Jesse Marsch at Leeds in February following his dismissal.
However, Leeds did not end up making an approach for the Arsenal legend, though it is said that he remains a manager the club is keeping an eye on.
Vieira has three PL offers, and Leeds linked
Vieira had looked as though he was building a decent project at Palace up until that long winless run that saw him relieved of his duties.
That said, given Leeds’ interest in him was reported while Victor Orta was still at the club, it is unclear whether he remains someone they will pursue in the summer.
If as expected Leeds are relegated from the Premier League this season, Vieira would represent a good option to try get the club straight back up, similar to that of Vincent Kompany at Burnley.
Should Leeds perform a miracle, though, it is time to start aiming higher in the managerial department with Aston Villa’s appointment of Unai Emery clear evidence a top coach can make all the difference.
Vieira is still relatively unproven at the very top level and it would be another gamble Leeds do not need to make.
READ MORE: How Leeds could line-up if Sam Allardyce changes system amid Rodrigo injury doubt
Ldsee United manager Sam Allardyce said he may look towards a formation change against Tottenham Hotspur due to injury doubts over Rodrigo Moreno and Patrick Bamford.
Allardyce was speaking after the 3-1 defeat at West Ham on Sunday, a game in which Bamford limped off in the first half with a hamstring problem, and Rodrigo struggled with a foot issue.
While Bamford is almost certain to miss out at Elland Road this weekend, there is more hope regarding Rodrigo, though pain in the plantar fascia can be difficult to overcome.
Allardyce has already pretty much confirmed club record signing Georginio Rutter will not be used, and if Leeds‘ first choice strikers are absent for the final game of the season, a system change could be in the offing.
Allardyce plots Leeds system change
In order to accommodate his lack of striking options, Allardyce could revert to a back three. That would likely see Liam Cooper return to the starting XI, with Rasmus Kristensen and Max Wober either side of him.
After Junior Firpo’s red card against Newcastle United, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him never wear a Leeds shirt again, but it could needs must this weekend.
Moving him to wing-back could eliminate at least some of his defensive duties, instead providing the width in attack, with Luke Ayling doing the same on the other side.
Leeds aren’t exactly blessed with options in the middle of the park and so Allardyce could opt for the same three he has gone with in two of his three matches in charge.
That consists of Robin Koch sitting just in front, with Adam Forshaw and Weston McKennie pushing a little further forward, leaving no place for Marc Roca.
With no out-and-out striker, Allardyce could look to pair two of Leeds’ most dangerous wide options together down the middle.
Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison are the most likely to be given the nod, with the former having had experience in this position for Italy.
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