Leeds United consider shock managerial change ahead of Man City clash as ex-Newcastle & Everton man in frame

Leeds United are considering appointing Sam Allardyce to replace Javi Gracia as the Whites battle against Premier League relegation.

The Athletic reported on Monday night the ex-Newcastle, Everton and West Ham boss is a strong contender to become the next Whites manager if Gracia is sacked.

The Spaniard was appointed on a flexible contract earlier this season and won three of his first six games in charge. However, Leeds’ Premier League future hangs in the balance after four losses and one draw in their last five outings.

Those defeats including a 5-1 loss to Crystal Palace and a 6-1 defeat to Liverpool, both at Elland Road, before a damaging 4-1 loss to Bournemouth on Sunday.

Up next for Leeds is a daunting trip to in-form Man City, as Pep Guardiola’s side eye a third-straight Premier League title.

Leeds are outside the relegation zone on goal difference with Leicester level on points with them in 16th and Nottingham Forest on the same total in 18th.

Allardyce has been out of work since leaving West Brom in 2021. He was appointed on an 18-month deal at the club in December 2020 but left after the Baggies were relegated from the top flight.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Allardyce ‘offered his services’ to Leeds after Jesse Marsch was sacked by the club in February.

He was worked with Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear previously at West Ham, as he was in charge at the London club between 2011 and 2015.

On Sunday after the 4-1 loss at Bournemouth the Leeds supporters advisory board called for Gracia to be replaced ahead of this weekend’s visit to City.

A statement read: “After the result and performance of the team today, the Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board (SAB) would like to place on record its lack of faith in the current management team at the club.

“The SAB have been supportive of many decisions this year and will always work with the club to improve the way the club connects with its supporters and communities, so it is only right that we also address the current performances and the situation we are now faced with.

“Leeds United fans have, and will always, support our club through its ups and downs, but with four games left this situation is no longer sustainable.The narrow escape from relegation last season should have been the catalyst for a season of growth but this season has now turned into a humiliating disaster.

“The appointment of Jesse Marsch, a style of play so different from that of Marcelo Bielsa, the sacking of Marsch after the transfer window had closed, the hiring of a fifth-choice manager, the purchase of a £35m striker who has played hardly any minutes in a relegation dogfight, the costly and embarrassing mistakes made in the Jean-Kevin Augustin case… there have been far too many questionable decisions and people must be made accountable.

“The players must also take responsibility for their abject performances and lack of professional pride since half-time against Crystal Palace. To pull on that famous white shirt is something that us fans can only dream of, yet it seems that some of the squad don’t have the fight for this battle.

“We are therefore asking for immediate changes to be made to the first-team coach and to those responsible for the recruitment of the managers and players who have been brought in over the last 14 months. The Supporters Advisory Board are due to meet with the club this coming week and hope that they are able to respond to this statement before the meeting takes place.”

Since a shock 2-1 loss to 10-man Leeds in April 2021, City have enjoyed their recent meetings with the Yorkshire club. They won 7-0 and 4-0 in their two meetings last term and claimed a 3-1 victory at Elland Road in December.