Leeds United have launched an eleventh hour attempt to hijack the return of Brendan Rodgers to Celtic.
And it’s believed the Elland Road club’s moneybags American owners - who are also in charge of NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers - are set to throw the kitchen sink in a bid to land Rodgers after making him their top target. Record Sport revealed on Tuesday that the former invincible boss has asked for time to mull over ‘the biggest decision of his life’ after being persuaded into considering a potential second spell in charge by billionaire owner Dermot Desmond.
We also revealed how Rodgers invited a top level Celtic delegation to his holiday home in Majorca after holding two lengthy telephone conversations with the club’s major shareholder who wants to bankroll the 50-year-old’s controversial comeback. But, while Desmond arrived in Glasgow yesterday on his private jet, the tycoon understands and respects the right of Rodgers to talk the move through with his wife and family following the fan fury which followed his departure for Leicester four years ago.
Rodgers has always stated his intention to one day reclaim the hotseat of the club he grew up supporting. But he must also believe that the time is right to go back as Ange Postecoglou’s successor, given the levels of animosity which continue to linger among sections of a scorned support.
And, while he mulls it over, Leeds are attempting to throw a further spanner in the works. As we revealed On Tuesday, Rodgers has already dismissed potential positions at mid-ranked English Premier Clubs after four years battling against the odds at the King Power.
He successfully led Leicester into the top five and secured FA Cup glory before the club hit the buffers this season and plunged towards the drop. It’s understood the likes of Crystal Palace have been keen to offer him a way back in but that Rodgers has no interest in taking on a similar fire-fighting challenge to the one he faced in the Midlands.
Leeds believe they can offer a different attraction with the opportunity to return a fallen giant to the top flight and prepare them for another crack at by throwing a small fortune at a major squad rebuild. And top brass at 49ers Enterprises are now keen to discover if Rodgers can be tempted into overseeing their long project.
Celtic also continue conversations with a list of potential back-up candidates but remain hopeful that Rodgers will be back in Glasgow before the end of the week to put pen to paper on a deal which has already been agreed in principle between both parties.
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