Chris Sutton has suggested Marcelo Bielsa has had his head turned by Tottenham Hotspur as they continue their search for a new manager.
The Lowdown: Spurs interested in Bielsa
Reports have recently suggested Tottenham are interested in hiring the Leeds boss to replace Jose Mourinho as the club's permanent manager (Football Insider).
Bielsa's current contract at Elland Road is set run out at the end of the term (The Athletic).
The Latest: Sutton makes Bielsa claim
Speaking on BBC 5Live following a call from a Leeds fan, Sutton suggested the Argentinian has had his head turned by Spurs. He said:
“He’s not signed a new contract with Leeds United. Everybody gets their head turned, everyone gets their head turned. My source is not Marcelo Bielsa, but I will have a word with my source."
He continued, to Leeds fan Derek: “I understand your point but the fact of the matter is, whether you like it or not, he hasn’t signed a new contract for next season. Is something amiss?”
The Verdict: Why?
Bielsa is a club legend at Leeds United. He was the man to take them back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years, and they are on course to finish in the top half this campaign. His achievements mean he is adored at Elland Road. He is also a legend across the globe, too - former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has previously admitted to being inspired by the ex-Marseille manager (via Give Me Sport).
Although he has not put pen to paper on a new deal, he has previously said he will wait until the end of the season to contemplate such a move (Sky Sports). While Spurs have more funds and are more established, Bielsa has free reign at Leeds to put the team together as he wishes - whether he would have that freedom at Tottenham is up for debate.
While Levy may be interested, it is hard to see Bielsa making the switch to north London.
In other news, Levy wants to hire this Champions League winner as the new Spurs manager.