Ornstein confirms Leeds are ‘already looking’ to replace Sam Allardyce, even if they escape relegation

Sam Allardyce only became Leeds manager on Wednesday, but the club are ‘already looking’ for his long-term successor, according to reports.

The experienced coach is tasked with doing what he does best – helping the Whites avoid relegation. However, this could prove to be one of Allardyce’s toughest jobs to date.

However, regardless of whether or not the 68-year-old guides Leeds to safety, it seems unlikely he will be in charge for the foreseeable future.

The Whites currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League table and are only outside the bottom three on goal difference.

, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham to save themselves.

But, according to reputed journalist David Ornstein, Leeds are already on the lookout for a long-term replacement for Allardyce.

Speaking to NBC, Ornstein said: “You never know, he might come into the thinking as the permanent appointment.

“But, I think they’re starting to gather interest in the background for the new head coach.

“I would say it would be unlikely to be Allardyce, they will more likely go for the style of football they were building prior,”

Indeed, the generally attacking styles of Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia are vastly different from Allardyce’s no-nonsense, Brexit ball.

With that in mind, it would make sense for Leeds to return to a manager with a similar outlook.

The current favourites to take the reigns next season, according to the bookies, are Brendan Rodgers, Steven Gerrard and Graham Potter.

Next on the list is Marcelo Bielsa, and Leeds fans would most likely welcome him back with open arms. Although, of course, any potential appointment will be heavily reliant on their Premier League status.

“I’m 68 but there’s nobody ahead of me in football terms. Not Pep (Guardiola), not (Jurgen) Klopp, not (Mikel) Arteta,” Allardyce confidently told reporters without a sliver of sarcasm.

“The football club chooses which way it wants to go and far too many people think I am old and antiquated which is so far from the truth. It’s all there with me.

“They do what they do, I do what I do. In terms of knowledge and depth of knowledge, I’m up there with them. I’m not saying I’m better than them, but certainly as good as they are.”

For now, Allardyce’s focus will be solely on the relegation battle and the four huge games ahead of him. If he does succeed in keeping Leeds in the Premier League, though, it will be interesting to see if he’s given another chance at the club next season.