Leeds United are finally closing in on their next permanent head-coach, with Marcelo Bielsa looking set to take charge at Elland Road.

Paul Heckingbottom left Elland Road on June 1st, with Leeds now closing in on Bielsa, with the Yorkshire Evening Post confirming in their latest update that a deal is almost done.

The 62-year-old has managed both Argentina and Chile at national level, as well as a host of high-profile clubs in France and Spain.

We take a look at Bielsa’s stats from his time with Lille, Marseille and Athletic Bilbao in our latest FLW Spotlight:

From those three jobs, Bielsa managed 168 matches in total, winning 68 of those to leave himself with a 40.5% win percentage.

The 62-year-old suffered 60 defeats in that time, drawing the other 40 of his matches in charge, picking up an average of 1.39 points per game.

The Verdict

Leeds finally seem to be on the cusp of getting their man, with Bielsa looking destined for the Elland Road vacancy.

First of all, the 62-year-old’s arrival is a major coup, not for his record, but for the reputation he brings to Elland Road.

Secondly, his record makes decent reading. He impressed with both Argentina and Chile, before taking steps into club management in Europe.

His spells with Lille, Marseille and Bilbao were good, but if he is to be a success at Elland Road and deliver promotion, his average points per game record will have to improve.

Bielsa will back himself to do that, and the 62-year-old has the potential to transform Leeds as a club, with his style and tactics admired worldwide.

There’s no doubt this is a risky appointment, but now is the time for Leeds to take risks, as they look to end a long wait for a Premier League return.

Bielsa is an appointment everybody at Elland Road can get on board with, as Leeds begin planning for 2018/19.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!