Leeds are quietly confident Marcelo Bielsa will sign a new deal at Elland Road and be in charge for their Premier League return.
Bielsa’s contract expired at the end of Leeds’ Championship-winning campaign and the club have opened talks about activating the option for him to stay for another 12 months.
Bielsa’s camp have held productive talks with Leeds managing director Angus Kinnear and director of football Victor Orta and negotiations are progressing.
Money is not an issue and Bielsa is keen to understand Leeds’ vision and strategy after ending their 16-year absence from the top flight.
Bielsa’s brother and former Argentinian foreign minister Rafael, who handles all his contract talks, has already said he wants to manage Leeds in the Premier League.
Rafael does not see any issues and it is expected Bielsa, who was 65 last month, will lead Leeds in the Premier League.
Jack Harrison is also set to return to Leeds from Manchester City for a third season on loan.
Harrison, 23, was an automatic selection under Bielsa last season and he scored six goals and made eight assists in 46 league appearances.
Leeds had the option to buy Harrison permanently this summer, but they are negotiating a deal with City to take him on loan again with a view to buying him in July 2021.
Leeds are being busy in the transfer market and they will make their third summer signing this week when they land Wigan’s England Under-18 striker Joe Gelhardt for an initial £1million.
Gelhardt, 18, has also played for England at Under-16 and Under-17 level and his fee could rise to £2.5million with add-ons.
The Liverpool-born forward is an exciting prospect and he scored his first Championship goal last season as he made 19 appearances for the Latics, including two starts.
