McLaren linked with Leeds job

Newspaper speculation surrounding the vacant Leeds United manager’s position has switched to Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren after Celtic supremo Martin O’Neill yesterday ruled himself out of the running.

McClaren has just embarked on a family holiday in Spain but The Sunday Times claims the former Manchester United No 2 spent much of yesterday discussing the Elland Road situation with his old mentor Sir Alex Ferguson.

Other papers are unanimous in their belief that McClaren, assistant coach to Sven-Goran Eriksson during England’s World Cup campaign this summer, will be offered the Leeds job and accept it.

‘‘Steve McClaren is ready to walk out on Middlesbrough and take over at Leeds’’ claims the News of the World.

‘‘Steve McClaren will return from a family holiday in Spain this week to be offered the Leeds job,’’ says the Sunday People.

‘‘Steve McClaren will this week be appointed the new Leeds manager after the club gave up their quest on Martin O’Neill’’ reports the Sunday Express.

Even broadsheets like The Observer have jumped on the bandwagon, suggesting: ‘‘Steve

McClaren will accept the post of Leeds United manager this week if, as expected, he is offered the chance to take over from the sacked David O’Leary.’’

McClaren has been at Middlesbrough for just 13 months and led the Teesside club to 12th in the

Premiership table last season.