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Leeds have parted ways with director of football Victor Orta and manager Javi Gracia could soon follow him out the door, with Sam Allardyce taking over for the break-in.
This has been a poor season at Elland Road, with the club languishing 17th in the Premier League as goal difference alone keeps them out of the relegation zone.
Leeds have lost four in a five-game winless run and made the first move of what is shaping up to be a dramatic day in West Yorkshire.
Manager Gracia is reported to be replaced after just two months in charge, with Allardice – jobless since relegation with West Brom in 2021 – the favorite to replace him.
Confirmation is expected later on a day that began with the farewell of the divisive director of football Orta.
The Spaniard took charge at Elland Road in 2017 and helped the West Yorkshire side make a long-awaited return to the Premier League three years later.
But things have gone awry of late and hard-fought Leeds confirmed Orta’s exit by mutual consent.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani said: «I am deeply saddened by the way this chapter closes as Victor has been responsible for some of the best moments of my time as owner of Leeds United and I thank him and his people for all that have done in the past six years.
“However, it is clear that it is time to change direction and therefore we have agreed that Victor will leave the club.
“I understand that the fans are hurt and upset, but now is the time for unity.
«We have four cup finals left to play this season and by working together I think we can survive.»
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Allardyce looks set to be the man in charge of overseeing those four games.
Leeds travel to leaders Manchester City on Saturday, before hosting third-placed Newcastle. A trip to West Ham and a meeting at Elland Road with European hopefuls Tottenham completed the season.
Allardyce would take charge after suffering his first Premier League relegation with West Brom in 2021, when he was left six months out on an 18-month deal.
The 68-year-old would be Leeds’ third permanent manager of the season after Jesse Marsch and Gracia.
The latter was awarded a contract until the end of the season in February, taking Leeds from the bottom three to 13th by winning three of his first six games in charge.
But things unraveled under the former Watford manager during a dreadful April, which saw them lose back-to-back home games to Crystal Palace and Liverpool 5-1 and 6-1 and concede 23 goals.
Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth leaves Leeds 17th and just outside the bottom three on goal difference.
