Leeds United are currently missing out on valuable planning time ahead of the 2017/18 campaign, as the Whites consider their options before appointing Garry Monk’s successor, following his shock resignation from the club last month.

Aitor Karanka is not under consideration, according to some reports, despite finding himself early favourite for the job, and now the bookies have slashed the odds on Pep Clotet, Monk’s former assistant, landing the head-coach role.

Clotet has the potential to be a shrewd appointment from Andrea Radrizzani, as the 40-year old could bring some much-needed continuity to Elland Road, following an improved campaign under Monk.

Leeds finished seventh last season, and were left frustrated by their failure to cement a top-six finish, after occupying a place in the play-offs for large parts of the campaign.

Clotet could continue to work Monk had started, building on the foundations that were laid by the duo in the last 12-months.

Appointing Clotet could also help Leeds in their quest to bring Kyle Bartley back to Elland Road, which seemed like an impossible task following Monk’s departure from LS11.

Bartley had insisted it was vital Leeds and Monk continued to work together to take the club forward before he returned to Swansea City, his parent-club, and the 38-year old’s departure last month put a return to Elland Road for Bartley in serious doubt.

However, should Clotet offer Leeds some continuity over the summer, Bartley may consider a move back to Elland Road next season, if the Whites can reach an agreement with Swansea over his future.