EDDIE HOWE was sensationally lined up by Leeds to replace Marcelo Bielsa as boss.
The former Bournemouth chief was sounded out by the Prem new boys about taking over IF Bielsa left for Barcelona.
Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe was lined up by Leeds United if Marcelo Bielsa quit for BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
The experienced highly-rated Argie, 65, was among the candidates for the Nou Camp hotseat before Ronald Koeman was appointed last week.
Leeds execs, fearing they might lose their manager to the Catalan giants, turned to Howe as a contingency.
Bielsa guided the fallen Yorkshire giants to this season’s Championship title and a return to the top flight for the first time in 16 years.
He is now set to sign a new contract to extend his stay at Elland Road.
Marcelo Bielsa was tipped to quit Leeds United to become Barcelona bossCredit: PA:Press Association
Leeds are not the only club to have shown an interest in Howe, 42, since he left the Cherries after their relegation from the Premier League.
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He was also being eyed by Crystal Palace before they decided to stick with boss Roy Hodgson.
Bielsa was appointed in 2018 and narrowly missed out on promotion in his first season after a late collapse.
The Whites ended up losing in the play-off semi to Derby.
But they made up for it as they romped to the Championship title this term.
Bielsa is looking at bringing in several new players to boost their chances in the top flight.
But a move for defender Ben White looks doomed now as Brighton want too much money.
Striker Edinson Cavani is also touted, after a switch to Benfica fell through.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
