The Great Elland Road stakes! Andoni Iraola is leading the race for new Leeds manager

Leeds United are in negotiations with Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola after Carlos Corberan turned down the chance to become their new manager.

Director of football Victor Orta is due to be in Madrid on Tuesday night as part of a Leeds delegation hoping to persuade Iraola to succeed Jesse Marsch. The move came after Corberan opted to remain at West Bromwich and sign a new long-term deal.

Leeds continue to explore other options as well, with Tuesday night’s Iraola talks said to be at stake. Feyenoord’s Arne Slot also proposed to the club on Tuesday and was installed as the bookmakers’ favourite.

Corberan was favored by many at Leeds, including owner Andrea Radrizzani, but they only offered him an 18-month deal. West Bromwich made it clear to Corberan that they wanted him to oversee a long-term plan that would result in promotion to the top flight.

Albion confirmed in a statement: “We are delighted that Carlos Corberan has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Hawthorns until 2027.”

Corberan said: “The way I was made to feel welcome at this great club convinced me that this was the right place for me.” Radrizzani had hinted that a date in Leeds on Tuesday night was close, writing on Twitter: “It’s our turn. Hopefully by tonight or tomorrow morning white smoke.”

Meanwhile, Orta traveled to Madrid, having been to the club’s Thorp Arch training ground earlier in the day, to update players on the latest developments.

His target, former Spain international Iraola, has guided Rayo Vallecano to fifth in La Liga and takes inspiration from former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, under whom he played at Athletic Bilbao.

The 40-year-old dodged questions about a potential move to Elland Road following Rayo’s 2-0 win over Almeria on Monday night.

“Football belongs to the footballers, we are not that important,” said Iraola. “The players make us look better. They are the ones to achieve this.’

Orta is also said to have probed Spain and Real Madrid legend Raul, who is now in charge of the club’s B team, but no further talks with him are expected.

Led by Under-21 coaches Michael Skubala and Paco Gallardo as well as Chris Armas, who was recently signed as Marsch’s assistant, Leeds face Manchester United tonight.

“This is temporary,” Skubala said on Tuesday. “What happens between tomorrow and Sunday remains to be seen. The owners are working hard behind the scenes to find a solution and they are really positive.”

Carlos Corberan has opted to remain at West Brom and has signed a new long-term deal, ruling himself out for the Leeds job

Jesse Marsch was sacked by Leeds United on Monday after a poor run of results in the Premier League

Skubala only joined Leeds last summer after working for the FA as head coach of the England futsal team and then England Under-18s. “It’s probably every manager’s dream to play against Manchester United in the Premier League,” admitted Skubala, who is close to England manager Gareth Southgate.

“It’s not daunting, it’s an exciting prospect. I don’t think any of us need to sign players for Manchester United at Old Trafford. As coaches we enjoy challenges and that’s a good challenge.

“As long as we’re competitive and putting on a good show, that’s the most we can ask for. If we can steal something, that would be good.”

Skubala believes the insights from Armas and colleague Ewan Sharp will be invaluable against Manchester United having both worked there under Ralf Rangnick last season.

“We have Chris and Ewan behind the scenes,” he said. “They have a lot of insight into the players there.”

Skubala revealed that he spoke to Marsch on Monday after his release. The American said goodbye to Thorp Arch staff later that day.

“It’s a disappointing time for Jesse, but he’s been very professional,” he added. “He took great care of the staff and just said goodbye in a really professional and caring way.”