Javi Gracia to be named new Leeds United manager

Leeds United are set to appoint Javi Gracia as their new permanent manager, sources have confirmed to 90min.

The Whites have been on the hunt for a new boss after parting ways with Jesse Marsch earlier this month, though after failing to land any of their initial targets – West Brom’s Carlos Corberan, Rayo Vallecano’s Andoni Iraola, or Feyenoord’s Arne Slot revealed that Michael Skubala would remain in interim charge for the time being.

Skubala oversaw a 2-2 draw away at Manchester United before being beaten 2-0 by the Red Devils at Elland Road, while they fell to a 1-0 loss at relegation rivals Everton on Saturday.

But Leeds are set to confirm that former Watford boss Gracia will take charge of the club.

90min reported on Monday that Gracia and Rafa Benitez had become their two newest targets to replace Marsch, with the former to be unveiled shortly.

Gracia notably led Watford to the final of the FA Cup in 2019, but were thrashed 6-0 by Manchester City in the final.

After leaving Watford in 2019, Gracia returned to Spain to manage Valencia for a year before moving to Qatari outfit Al Sadd, winning the league before leaving his post.