Are Leeds United set to appoint Steve McClaren?

Leeds United are searching for their ninth manager since 2014 following Sunday's sacking of head coach Thomas Christiansen after just 35 games in charge.

Christiansen’s exit came 24 hours after Leeds were pummelled 1-4 by Cardiff at Elland Road, a rotten result which left the freefalling club 10th in the Championship, seven points adrift of the play-offs.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post Leeds are eager to appoint a successor to Christiansen ahead of Saturday’s clash against Sheffield United, as they bid to get their promotion push back on track.

A host of names have been thrown into the frame at this early stage in proceedings, including former boss Simon Grayson, ex player Gordon Strachan, Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom, Reading’s Jaap Stam, and the former Hull gaffer Marco Silva.

However, it’s Steve McClaren who currently tops the betting to become the next Leeds United manager.

McClaren was most recently working as a coaching consultant over in Israel at Maccabi Tel Aviv, a position he held from August through to December.

Prior to that post McClaren lasted just 29 matches in his second spell at Derby, and only 31 games at Newcastle. In fact, only two of his last six tenures in management have lasted over a year, which could be perfect for a club like Leeds whose last seven managers have all failed to see their first anniversary at Elland Road.

In three previous jobs in the Championship with Nottingham Forest and Derby County (x2) McClaren has never won promotion up to the Premier League, while he’s trophyless since 2010, when he led FC Twente to their first Eredivisie title.

According to The Sun McClaren has already held talks with Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani and director of football Victor Orta, with the former England boss now the odds-on favourite to return to the dugout with The Whites.

ICYMI Leeds are on the hunt for their 9th boss since 2014:

Thomas Christiansen

 Garry Monk

Steve Evans

Uwe Rosler

 Neil Redfearn

 Darko Milanic

Dave Hockaday

 Brian McDermott

 Who is next?#lufc

— The Sack Race (@thesackrace) February 5, 2018