MARCELO BIELSA has been offered a return to management by Brazilian giants Santos.
The former Leeds boss has been out of work since leaving Elland Road in February.
Santos president Andres Rueda has now contacted Bielsa, 67, about replacing their newly-sacked coach Lisca.
The Sao Paulo outfit are Brazil’s second-most successful club, winning eight international trophies.
They have also scooped 37 national and regional honours since their foundation 110 years ago.
Bielsa, nicknamed The Madman (El Loco), is understood to be reluctant to take charge of a new club in mid-season.
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And Santos are reportedly so keen to hire the Argentine tactician that they will let him wait until 2023 before starting work.
Bielsa has coached across Europe and South America, but has yet to manage a team in Brazil.
He has had spells in charge of Argentina and Chile’s national sides.
The much-travelled boss also managed clubs in Argentina and Mexico before moving to Europe.
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Beginning in Spain with Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao, Bielsa moved on to Marseille, Lazio and Lille.
He took charge at Leeds in 2018, and is still revered by many at Elland Road for ending the club’s long Premier League exile two years ago.
Bielsa was touted for a return to Athletic Bilbao during the summer.
He had an agreement with presidential hopeful Inaki Arechabaleta to take over, should the election go his way.
But when Arechabaleta lost to Jon Uriarte, the job went elsewhere.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
