Here are your Leeds United evening headlines on Wednesday, February 22.
Leeds United told to hire David Moyes
Following a frantic two-week search for a new manager, Javi Gracia was finally confirmed as the club's new head coach on Tuesday afternoon. The former Watford boss has 15 matches to get Leeds out of the relegation zone and that starts with a vital game against Southampton at Elland Road this weekend.
Gracia brings with him an experience of the Premier League, yet Paul Merson has now claimed that despite the Spaniard's recent arrival - the Whites would still go all out to sign West Ham manager David Moyes should the opportunity arise.
ALSO READ: Leeds United boss Javi Gracia's record vs Premier League relegation rivals
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "“If Moyes got sacked tomorrow morning Leeds would walk over broken glass to go and get him in. You’ve got to put it in perspective. Leeds would have him in tomorrow morning. It’s a no-brainer."
How Leeds United's line-up could evolve under new head coach Javi Gracia
The next few days promise to be hectic ones for Javi Gracia as he gets to work at Leeds United’s Thorp Arch base. Of course, his arrival is subject to obtaining a work permit, but assuming that comes through promptly, he will be able to oversee the club’s next Premier League game against Southampton.
League fixtures don’t come much bigger than Saturday’s clash against the Saints and United know they will hit the foot of the table should Gracia be unable to make an immediate impact. The head coach will have done his homework and he may already have a starting XI in mind for his first game in charge of Leeds at Elland Road.
The Spaniard has favoured either a 4-4-2 formation or a 4-2-2-2 in previous roles, and that may just play to the strengths of the current Leeds squad. However, he has been known to play other formations and in his last job at Al Sadd he went with a 3-4-2-1 more often than not.
Jermaine Beckford issues verdict on Javi Gracia's Leeds United appointment
Jermaine Beckford says he is 'excited' by the prospect of former Watford boss Javi Gracia succeeding Jesse Marsch as Leeds United manager.
The Leeds board suffered a number of setbacks in their quest to find a replacement for Marsch, but have now settled on their man.
Gracia has been appointed as the new Leeds manager on a 'flexible contract', and will be in the dugout against Southampton at Elland Road 'subject to obtaining the necessary work permissions'. The Spaniard previously managed Watford in the Premier League, and also guided the Hornets into the FA Cup final for the first time in 35 years in 2019.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United faithful 'get behind' Javi Gracia as verdict delivered on new head coach
Leeds United 'can be confident': National media verdict on Javi Gracia arrival at Elland Road
Four Leeds United Premier League fixtures chosen for TV including Liverpool with new dates set
Javi Gracia told Leeds United is biggest club he has ever managed ahead of Elland Road debut
Javi Gracia 'will work very well' at Leeds United insists Spanish football expert
