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Chris Knight

Leeds United-linked manager makes u-turn after initial approach snubbed

Steven Gerrard is set to complete a u-turn on his latest job offer and is set to be announced as the new manager of Al Ettifaq. That is according to the Athletic, who claim club officials with the Saudi Pro League outfit are now confident of appointing the Liverpool legend.

Gerrard was one of a host of names linked with the Leeds United job last month, with former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke now set to be confirmed as Sam Allardyce's successor. The 43-year-old has been out of work since leaving Aston Villa in October following a dismal start to the season.

Al Ettifaq are not one of the four Saudi Pro League clubs that were recently taken control of by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January, and has since been followed by a host of superstar signings to the league such as Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves.

Gerrard reportedly turned down an initial offer from Al Ettifaq, having travelled to Saudi Arabia for talks last month. However, the ex-England international is said to have resumed negotiations last week with an agreement believed to be close.

READ MORE: Leeds United report for pre-season with head coach rethink, Radrizzani query and friendlies coming

Gerrard was quizzed on the offer he had received while on punditry duties for England's emphatic Euro 2024 qualifier victory over North Macedonia at Old Trafford. The former Rangers boss confirmed talks had been held, but his stance at the time was that he would not be taking up the position.

Gerrard to Channel 4 last month: "A lot has been said in the media, a lot of it is not true. I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did, and I have been analysing that over the last couple of days. But, as we stand right now, I won’t be taking that offer up."

Patrick Vieira, another manager linked with the Whites job, was appointed as Strasbourg's new boss on Sunday.

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