Leeds United target Andoni Iraola appears to be keen to explore the Elland Road managerial vacancy, according to Phil Hay for The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Second approach?

The Whites have found it tough going in their search to replace Jesse Marsch, with Iraola a leading candidate. Sporting director Victor Orta flew to Spain looking to seal a deal for the Rayo Vallecano boss during the week, but as we know, he returned to England empty-handed.

Reports have suggested that the club could make a second approach for the 40-year-old, who appears to be open to the idea of moving to Yorkshire.

The Latest: Iraola interested in Leeds job

Hay shared a story for The Athletic on Saturday, looking at the club’s pursuit of a new manager.

When it came to Iraola, the reliable Leeds correspondent said: “Iraola has tried to be respectful to Rayo Vallecano and their president, Martin Presa, but he told his club that Leeds was an opportunity he wanted to explore and, if a final offer was there, an opportunity he was tempted to take.”

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The Verdict: Still possible?

It looks as if a move for Iraola could still be possible, although a release clause in his contract appears to be a potential stumbling block. However, if the Whites are adamant that he is their man, then perhaps a deal can be finalised, hopefully over the coming days.

Journalist Nick Emms has described the young manager as 'fantastic' and a 'really exciting' potential option at Elland Road, and with Iraola seemingly interested, you’d like to think that this managerial link could still have legs.

The job he has done with Rayo Vallecano is impressive, guiding them to fifth in the current La Liga table within two years of getting them promoted to the top flight.

Time is ticking with two crucial fixtures against Everton and Southampton to come, so the sooner that a new manager can be brought in the better - even if it is an interim boss, as has been speculated.