Sam Allardyce and Victor Orta verdict as Leeds United plan major shake-up

Leeds United sit just above the drop in the Premier League table after Monday's bottom-of-the-table clash between Leicester City and Everton. The club's precarious position heading into a crucial run of games has stirred rumours of the board considering an early exit for head coach Javi Gracia.

Sunday's 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth has tightened Gracia's noose and narrowed the side's goal difference advantage over 18th-placed Nottingham Forest. The disturbing possibility of relegation has called the Leeds hierarchy into action, with reports former England manager Sam Allardyce is being 'strongly considered' to replace Gracia.

Allardyce's last outing as manager ended after West Brom's relegation from England's top flight in the 2020/21 season. However, he has earned a reputation as a firefighter, helping save Crystal Palace and Sunderland from the drop, albeit a few years ago, and the Leeds board are reportedly considering ending Allardyce's self-imposed two-year exile to see if he can repeat the feat.

READ MORE: Leeds United manager LIVE updates as Javi Gracia could follow Orta out of Elland Road

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Director of football Victor Orta has also left Leeds. Orta, who recruited Gracia after the sacking of Jesse Marsch in February, was brought in by owner Andrea Radrizzani in the summer of 2017 after the Italian took over the club from the controversial Massimo Cellino. However, with Gracia's appointment not working out, Orta has faced difficult questions as a result.

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