Next Leeds United manager: 49ers discover how much Ligue 1 boss will cost after being named on four-man target list

A journalist has revealed how much potential majority Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises will have to pay if they want to replace Sam Allardyce with a Ligue 1 coach.

Leeds appointed Allardyce on May 3 following the sacking of Javi Gracia. The Whites brought in Allardyce to try and save their Premier League status amid a fierce relegation battle.

The 68-year-old had only ever been relegated from the top flight once, during his previous spell with West Brom in the 2020-21 campaign.

Despite Allardyce’s wealth of experience, he failed to keep Leeds in the Prem. They drew one and lost three matches under him and were resultantly relegated in 19th place with just 31 points.

There is plenty of uncertainty at Elland Road, with majority owner and chairman Andrea Radrizzani looking to sell the club so he can buy Italian outfit Sampdoria. 49ers Enterprises, who own a 44 per cent stake in Leeds, are trying to purchase Leeds in full.

Not only are Leeds fans unsure who their owners will be next season, they are also waiting to see which boss arrives to replace Allardyce.

Last week, The Guardian revealed a four-man list of managerial targets that have been drawn up by Leeds. The list was made up of Brendan Rodgers, Graham Potter, Carlos Corberan and Regis Le Bris.

But the West Yorkshire side will not be able to appoint former Leicester coach Rodgers as he wants to take a period out of the game before deciding on his next job.

Leeds tipped to snare Ligue 1 boss

Attention has now turned to Le Bris, who is currently in charge of FC Lorient. Earlier on Thursday, there were claims in France that Le Bris had reached an agreement to take over at Nice.

But those claims have been quashed by Foot Mercato, giving Leeds some hope. And in another boost for Leeds, Lorient have already been in contact with former Strasbourg manager Julien Stephan to take charge if Le Bris leaves.

More clarification has now arrived from French football insider Mohamed Toubache-Ter, as cited by Sport Witness. It is claimed that Le Bris has a release clause in his contract worth €5m (£4.3m).

It is now up to Leeds to decide if they want to pay this sort of money for their potential next manager. Le Bris, 47, has had an interesting journey to becoming a first-team coach.

He was head of academy coaching at Rennes between 2004 and 2012 before heading to Lorient, where he was appointed U19 boss.

Le Bris then had spells as academy manager and B team manager before being given the senior Lorient job in June last year.

The Frenchman has done well during his debut season in charge, helping Lorient finish 10th in Ligue 1 on 55 points. For context, before Le Bris’ arrival they ended up in 16th last term, managing 36 points and only just avoiding relegation to the French second tier.

Le Bris is clearly heading on an upward trajectory in his career, although Leeds supporters may want someone with more experience in English football to help them get out of the Championship, what with how unforgiving the division can be.

Meanwhile, Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk includes a European giant potentially signing a Leeds man for a cut-price fee.