Leeds have confirmed the appointment of Javi Gracia, the former Watford and Valencia head coach, as their manager. The 52-year-old Spaniard takes over from Jesse Marsch, who was sacked just over a fortnight ago, and has agreed what the club described as a “flexible contract”. It is understood the initial commitment is to the end of the season.
Leeds are in the Premier League’s relegation zone after defeat at Everton on Saturday and turned to Gracia after failing to land other targets. A quartet of their preferred candidates, Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, West Brom’s Carlos Corberán, the former River Plate coach Marcel Gallardo and Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola, proved out of reach.
Although Leeds may well try…