Patrick Vieira could be handed an opportunity to return to Leeds United at the end of the season. The Daily Mail claim the Whites hierarchy think highly of the former Crystal Palace boss, despite his sacking last week.
It comes after TalkSPORT claimed the 46-year-old was on the shortlist to replace Jesse Marsch at Elland Road, one month prior to his own dismissal. Javi Gracia was the man tasked with keeping Leeds United in the Premier League but is only on a contract until the end of the season.
The Spaniard's stock would be high if he were to keep the Whites in the top tier, after a disappointing season to date. Just four points separate Vieira's former side Palace in 12th place and basement boys Southampton in 20th.
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A win over Wolves in their last game lifted Leeds up to 14th in the table and they could move above Vieira's former side if they win their game in hand. The general consensus following Vieira's departure from Selhurst Park is that his sacking was a harsh one, with former Eagles boss Roy Hodgson returning until the end of the season.
Vieira is said to be keen on a quick return to the top flight having been sacked following a 12 game winless run. Following his departure, Eagles chairman Steve Parish said: “It is with enormous regret that this difficult decision has been made. Ultimately, results in recent months have placed us in a precarious league position and we felt a change is necessary to give us the best chance of retaining Premier League status.
"That said, Patrick’s impact since joining us in the summer of 2021 has been significant, and he is held in the highest regard by myself, and all of his colleagues. He led the team to a Wembley FA Cup semi-final and respectable 12th placed finish last season playing some exciting football, which was a challenging and crucial campaign for the club given the changes we made to the squad prior to his arrival.
"Patrick has given his all to the club, and we all thank him and his team for their service. We also wish Patrick, Osian, Kristian and Saïd the very best for their futures.”
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