Here are your Leeds United evening headlines for Wednesday, May 3.
Victor Orta linked with Sevilla just days after Leeds United departure
Victor Orta could return to his former club Sevilla after announcing his departure from Leeds United by mutual consent on Tuesday.
READ MORE: Leeds United manager LIVE as Sam Allardyce confirmed with surprise backroom team additions
The Spaniard spent six years at Leeds but came under heavy criticism following the club's struggles in the Premier League over the past two seasons.
Orta previously spent seven years at Sevilla before leaving for Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2013, and according to Onda Cero’s Edu García, he could be back on his way to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
Garcia told Radio Estadio: "Victor Orta is in the orbit of Sevilla. It is not closed, but it is the most viable option. His arrival would imply the departure of Monchi."
Monchi has served as Sevilla's sporting director since March 2019, but the club have experienced a tumultuous campaign. A resurgence in form has seen them climb into 12th spot, but early reports suggest his time with Sevilla could be set to draw to an end.
Sam Allardyce appointed to Leeds United post as Andrea Radrizzani rolls his last dice
Sam Allardyce has been appointed as Leeds United’s interim manager. Javi Gracia and his backroom staff have been dismissed after just 12 games at the helm, as they watched their team concede 23 goals across seven matches in April.
A five-match winless run leaves the Whites 17th in the table and outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone. Leeds still have to play the Premier League’s first, third, sixth and 15th-placed sides before the campaign ends.
While Victor Orta wanted to continue with Gracia at the helm, the board, led by Andrea Radrizzani, felt new energy was needed to galvanise the players. This first led to a parting by mutual consent with the director of football and then the move to employ Allardyce, who will be assisted by former Oxford United boss Karl Robinson.
Javi Gracia breaks his silence on Leeds United exit with heartfelt letter to supporters
Javi Gracia has broken his silence on his Leeds United tenure with a statement after his sacking. The dismissed head coach has thanked fans for their support, as well as his backroom team, who oversaw more points during his time in charge than any of their direct rivals.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity and proud of the team, both players and coaching staff,” he said. “That's how I would like to summarise my time at Leeds United.
“I would have preferred a different moment, but the circumstances have changed. We arrived on a short three-month contract and we did it because we believed in this team."
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Sam Allardyce to Leeds United hailed by pundit pair amid 'lost lamb' Javi Gracia claim
Leeds United director of football Victor Orta reportedly set for Elland Road departure
