Leeds draw closer to Bielsa as players are handed a warning

Leeds United will begin pre-season training early if Marcelo Bielsa takes over as manager, according to reports.

Bielsa is the club’s prime candidate to take over from Paul Heckingbottom, who was sacked after the end of the season.

The former Argentina and Chile coach wants to revamp Leeds’ training methods if appointed, and that would mean starting pre-season at the earliest opportunity, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Leeds have been in talks with Bielsa for some time and last month an Argentinian journalist claimed a deal had been reached between the two parties.

However, reported interest from Sporting Lisbon looked to have stalled Leeds’ plans to appoint him, though we understand an announcement is close to being made by the West Yorkshire club.

As such, director of football Victor Orta has told the squad that pre-season could begin as early as next Monday (18 June) in the event of Bielsa taking over – one week ahead of schedule.

Leeds’ first pre-season friendly is against Forest Green Rovers on 17 July, meaning Bielsa would have a full four weeks to work with his new squad before the match.

Bielsa is the leading contender to become the new manager at Elland Road, with the appointment subject to him being granted a work permit.