Former RB Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch is a 'genuine candidate' to replace Marcelo Bielsa as Leeds United manager, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Marsch linked with Leeds job

On Thursday, a report claimed that the Whites see Marsch as their 'first choice' candidate to come in for Bielsa this summer, should the Argentine choose to leave.

The current Leeds manager's current deal expires at the end of the season, following what will be four years in the job by that point, with no agreement to extend his stay coming to light yet.

Marsch is currently a free agent after being sacked by Leipzig back in December, following a disappointing spell at the Bundesliga club.

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Taking to Twitter shortly after the news of Leeds' interest in Marsch broke, Hay backed up the claim, saying he is definitely someone Andrea Radrizzani is eyeing:

"A genuine candidate if the club look for a new head coach this summer, in part because his tactical style would not be a massive deviation."

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The Verdict: Strong contender to come in

While Marsch has to be judged for a poor stint at Leipzig, his overall managerial career to date suggests he would be a good replacement for Bielsa.

He got RB Salzburg playing some entertaining, high-octane football during a spell that led to two Austrian Bundesliga titles, and he got plenty out of a young and emerging Erling Haaland.

As Hay alludes to, the similarity in style to Leeds means his appointment would make sense, with the American known for his intense pressing system.

At 48, Marsh is nearly 20 years younger than Bielsa and could breathe new life into the squad, although the idea of the latter extending his stay for another year would likely go down well with most Whites fans, given the job he has done and the popularity he still has.

In other news, Leeds could have one player available against Manchester United. Find out who it is here.