Journalist hints at Leeds United’s long-standing interest in Championship manager | OneFootball

Leeds United have always had an eye on West Brom boss Carlos Corberan in the event that Jesse Marsch left Elland Road, according to journalist Dean Jones who spoke to Give Me Sport.

The 39-year-old previously worked in West Yorkshire for the Whites, initially working for the club’s U23s before being promoted to the first team under Marcelo Bielsa and playing a part in guiding the club back to the Premier League.

He then moved on to Huddersfield Town in the summer of 2020, remaining in the local area and guiding the Terriers to the play-off final last year, though they lost out to Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

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He then left his post at the John Smith’s Stadium and went on to have a brief spell at Olympiacos before returning to England in October to manage West Bromwich Albion.

Enduring a successful spell at The Hawthorns so far, he has been linked with several Premier League jobs and now seems to be in contention to succeed Marsch at his former side, who are in real danger of being relegated unless their form improves.

Reporter Jones has hinted that the Whites have had their eye on Corberan for a while now, even though they previously put their faith in their most recent boss.

He told Give Me Sport: “Almost certainly (that Leeds will target Corberan), I’d say.

“I know they’ve always had an eye on him for this situation and there have been figures at the club who have been extremely impressed by what he’s able to bring.

“Now we have got to a situation where they are changing managers, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if that is a path they at least explored.”

The Verdict:

It’s no real shock if that’s the case because the likes of Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani will have been keeping an eye on him as a friend anyway, so they will know a lot more about him than other top-tier clubs will.

Already knowing the place well and striking up a relationship with the duo mentioned above, Corberan could easily make an early impact at Elland Road and that’s much needed considering the situation they find themselves in.

His lack of top-flight experience is a little bit of a concern and that’s the one key factor against him at this stage – but he won’t have that experience until someone gives him that opportunity.

And you feel he will have a much better opportunity of getting the Leeds job than another managerial role in the top tier because of his previous links to the West Yorkshire outfit.

He will have a major dilemma if he’s granted permission to speak to the Whites though – because he’s currently doing an excellent job for the Baggies and won’t want to be seen as someone who easily quits their job.

After leaving Huddersfield voluntarily, he won’t want to do the same at Albion, though this is a tempting vacancy.