Leeds United’s Championship rivals Burnley are finally closing in on the appointment of a new manager.
Having been relegated from the Premier League with a whimper, Burnley have been on the lookout for Vincent Kompany’s replacement for the best part of a month now.
The Clarets have spoken to a number of potential candidates including former Leeds target Scott Parker and Frank Lampard, but it appears they are instead close to appointing another big-named former player.
According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is now the big favourite for the job and an agreement is now close to being reached.
In similar fashion to Kompany, Burnley have seemingly been determined to bring in a big name, with van Nistelrooy the chosen one. In his 14 months in charge at PSV, he won both the 2023 Johan Cruyff Shield and 2022–23 KNVB Cup.
Burnley appointment could give clarity in Leeds’ Roberts pursuit
Burnley’s decision to finally appoint van Nistelrooy could actually indirectly impact one of Leeds‘ transfer pursuits this summer.
The Whites are yet to make a single signing with the window now almost a week old, but have been linked with a handful of targets, including two of their former loanees.
While Joe Rodon is the one grabbing all the headlines, Leeds are also interested in re-signing Connor Roberts, who spent the second half of last season on loan from Turf Moor.
However, Leeds will have been able to make little progress on a move for the £2.5 million man for however long Burnley have been without a manager.
The Clarets will not have wanted to sell any players who could potentially play a key role in next season without a manager being in place, leaving Roberts in limbo.
Now with van Nistelrooy set to take charge, he will be able to make a decision on whether to keep the 28-year-old, handing Leeds the clarity they need on whether to pursue a deal, or look elsewhere.
What has Roberts said about Leeds future?
Upon joining Leeds on deadline day in January, Roberts did hint that he would like to stay at Elland Road permanently.
However, his lack of game time may have changed that stance and his message to supporters on Instagram did read like a goodbye.
In the grand scheme of things, a post on Instagram means very little, though, and if the opportunity was to arise to return, it would not be a surprise if he took it.
He wrote: “Football ey.. Obviously so disappointed not to achieve what we all wanted, but honestly what a massive privilege it was to play just a hand full of games and be involved at this incredible Football Club.
“An invaluable experience and something I’ll remember forever! Thanks for the spectacular support ladies and gents!”