John Sheridan, 51, had been available at 12-1 when the firm opened betting this weekend, but the former Whites midfielder is now a 1/6 favourite.

Sheridan is currently in his second spell in charge of Oldham having guided the club to the League One play-offs in 2006-07 when the Latics finished sixth.

Oldham - still in League One - have finished this season 17th.

Steve Evans remains head coach of United but chairman Massimo Cellino has yet to offer him an extension to his contract which expires on June 30.

Some fans may see this as a bizarre choice with Evans seemingly doing well with resources available and Sheridan only reaching a low level 17th with a lower level Oldham side, maybe a step backwards?

Very unusual as Evans came from League One and the Championship to manage Leeds and has been deemed not really good enough, the appointment of Sheridan would be an unexpected choice definitely.

If Sheridan does join The Whites however, this could be a dream XI for the Oldham man........

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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE A DREAM LEEDS XI UNDER SHERIDAN!

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Adam Smith (GK – Northampton)

Adam Smith

The strong spine of the Northampton team encapsulated by Smith has held a record 13 clean sheets.

The fans’ favourite has been in absolutely tingling form as save after save has enabled Northampton to dominate on the counter attack, and remain strong at the back.

39 goals conceded over the season has enabled Smith to be written in Northampton folklore and would be perfect for a Leeds United side, who are notorious for slipping up at the back and not recovering after the hole left by Premier League winner Kaspar Schmeichel.

Leeds have struggled at the back, the lack of authority from Italian Silvestri who has gathered the quite comical name from fans  ‘Spill vestri’ is now Leeds’ number one casualty.

Bellusci and the Italian keeper have been given time at Elland Road but pathetic defending in instances such as Middlesbrough away and Ipswich away to name a few, has made the Italian a consequence instead of a solution manning the Leeds rearguard.

With Sheridan coming into Leeds the addition of Smith would give Leeds fans additional hope as the young man has proven his pedigree in League Two with performance after performance and has definitely saved his Northampton side in certain situations with a few penalty saves to his name alongside that.

Sheridan would need to alter the backline of Leeds and the number one position to start with, always, is the goalkeeper, if the veteran gets this right it could save Leeds several points this season.

Gaetano Berardi (RB – Leeds United)

Gaetano Berardi

Berardi started the season and his Leeds career in very suspect form.

His sending offs and multiple yellow cards weren’t popular, as his three game bans left Leeds with problems at the back as problematic makeshift right back Scott Wootton was drafted in, multiple mistakes later Leeds were crying out for the Italian's return.

With an injury free season Berardi could feature in nearly every game for boss Evans’ Leeds.

His versatility and pragmatism within the back 4 is a rare attribute and Berardi is one of few this season, who has but 110% in most times he has played and also has shown significant improvement.

Scott Wootton was drafted in this weekend after 65 minutes and showed the similar levels of performance he has shown all season.

Picking Wootton or any player out isn't something I would normally do, but the comical nature of the player's defending really is utterly embarrassing.

The sheer inability to master the basics at defending means that most weeks when the ex-Manchester United man is playing, opposition teams target Wootton as a weakness, which of course, would be the logical thing to do.

Keeping Berardi fit and maintaining a consistent back 4, like that of Burnley could be one way Leeds emulate (Not a fantastic quality ridden Burnley side) and challenge that top 6.

If Sheridan wants to become a folk hero amongst United fans he needs to make sure the calibre of the dressing room lives up to the play-off standard, and with players like Wootton amongst the squad, these defensive frailties will remain.

Berardi will be the man for right back.

 

Marc Roberts (CB – Barnsley)

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The Barnsley centre back has been like a new signing to the side in recent times, as his manager dropping the centre back was one of the best things for his career.

Roberts has come back into a Barnsley side boasting an impressive goal difference tally and a very good goals against record, especially away.

His leadership and professionalism have been a driving force in The Tykes recent push under Heckingbottom, and he would no doubt sure up a Leeds centre back partnership alongside fan favourite Sol Bamba.

The man Roberts would be replacing would be the unpopular Bellusci, who yes, is a technically gifted footballer, but cannot make a wise decision to save his life, or Leeds for that matter.

Sheridan will want a harmonious squad with cheap, indispensable additions, the reputation of Sheridan needs to be considered with this XI  - in-fact I would go as far to saying Evans would be a more attractive proposition for most.

Roberts would be a welcome addition, an experienced leader to drive Leeds forward in the race for a play-offs place.

 

Sol Bamba (CB – Leeds United)

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Much like my previous XI, there won't be that many changes, as the changes made in both instances are the correct, reliable and least expensive options, something to take note of when considering Leeds United.

Not to say Bamba is a cheap option, he is a solid one, one that Leeds I do feel take for granted.

His work on and off the pitch at Elland Road, regarding his charity work and leadership symbolises himself and shows his care for the club.

His vocal nature alongside Evans' has been what has kept Leeds afloat this season, frequent rumours of Bamba dressing down the squad after some embarrassing defeats, Charlton, Rotherham to name a few.

The centre back has been reliable for Leeds and has shown mistakes this season, but with the correct centre back partner, his solidity and confidence would surely improve.

He rarely loses an aerial battle, lacks pace but makes up for it in football knowhow as he reads the game so well.

Bamba is the driving force in the Leeds defence and has struggled for a consistent partner within the Leeds squad.

Leeds look to maintain some consistency within the backline and Bamba is the best of the lot.

Captain fantastic loves the club and would love nothing more than for Leeds to gain promotion at the end of next season, keeping him at the club is essential to what could be a successful promotion push.

 

Charlie Taylor/Rhoys Wiggins (LB – Leeds United)

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Player of the Season and well deserved.

The superb left back is following in the footsteps of Aaron Cresswell and Leighton Baines, as he strives to become one of the best in the league.

Age on his side and an enthusiasm to play at the highest level, has meant Taylor has been churning out some quite spectacular performances for United as they reach another mid-table finish.

His athleticism, power and pace has won the Leeds faithful owner and begs the question could he play for a Premier League side at this moment in time?

Leeds’ recruitment has been questioned, the keeping hold of quality players in the division has been something Leeds have seemingly found difficult. Taylor is someone they MUST keep above any of the other youngsters if needs be, Taylor is a definite.

His ability to bring wide players into the game and to get into attacking positions to create for the likes of Chris Wood is a rare talent in a left back, if Leeds were to challenge for the top 6 Taylor would need to be in there.

Unfortunately, I don't think this will be realistic anymore, especially with the addition of Sheridan, but like I said, this is a dream XI after all. But I will make it realistic.

This may be early, but Taylor has said with a lack of consistency and ambition this summer, he will be looking to move.

His comments have been ill received by Leeds fans as they worry about their now left back position if the clubs best players leaves.

If this does occur Leeds will require another left back.

My pick if Taylor does vacate? a loan ready Rhoys Wiggins, the man who Bournemouth made is back at the south coast club and is looking to play. With Charlie Daniels bossing the left back spot, it is common knowledge that Wiggins could move on.

When fit, Wiggins one of the best full-backs in the Championship - defensively astute and is dangerous going forward.

 

Alex Mowatt (CM – Leeds United)

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Mowatt is technically the best player at the club.

His set piece delivery and shooting prowess begs the question, why hasn’t Evans started him more regularly.

United are lacking such a creative midfielder but when Mowatt plays Leeds’ aggressive offensive stance significantly improves.

The likes of Chris Wood and Mirco Antenucci thrive from chances Mowatt creates, his vision across the pitch and from set pieces leaves the two with bits to finish inside the box.

Mowatt brings something completely different, the ball sticks to his foot, he is technically Premier League class and if Leeds were to challenge, they would need someone of his quality playing week in week out.

 

Bradley Dack (CM – Gillingham)

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Dack has been a revelation for The Gills this season.

His dynamism and ability to finish have raised his transfer tag, and is one of the hottest properties in English football.

Unlike some, Dack is young and has the ability to carve chances out for himself, he has been the driving force in Gillingham’s promotion push this year and has the characteristics to become one of The Championship’s best.

13 goals and 9 assists,  he would be perfect in the Leeds United midfield, the chances created would also enable the frontmen to inevitably reach double figures.

The main key is here, if Gillingham do not get promoted, Dack will surely be looking elsewhere. Could Leeds come knocking?

 

If Sheridan was able to pull this off it really would be a dream scenario for the Leeds midfield.

 

Toumani Diagouraga (CM-Leeds United)

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 "Why leave out Lewis Cook!" I hear you all shouting. For me, Cook doesn't show enough.

His inability to venture forward, lack of goals and real lack of defensive awareness picked out by his recent game(s) against Rotherham in particular and Charlton, two lower teams who really did boss the youngster across the pitch, for me shows his inexperience and lack of physicality.

This isn't a Cook bashing by all means but in my personal opinion after frequently watching Cook, he doesn't display the characteristics to really show himself as a number 1 contender for the defensive midfield position.

Cook has youth on his side, yes, but I don't see this as an excuse, the top defensive midfielders within this division have started at a very young age and bossed that position and if you are comparing Cook to the best I.E Jack Wilshere (in that position at the same age, in the same league) he isn't on the same level.

At that age, youngsters with Cook's potential should be dynamic, they should be taking men on at will, with bags of raw confidence, lack of fear and that ability to take a man on, for me 1 goal and barely any assists doesn't display that.

His performance recently against an already relegated, battered and bruised Charlton side exposed his current influence within that midfield. Kashi in particular made Cook out to be a little boy on the field, with sheer dominance aerially, physically and with the ball at his feet. Highlighting Cook's severe weaknesses.

Harsh? Maybe, but for a promotion chasing Leeds United, maybe cashing in on Cook could provide other options, options that encapsulate Bradley Dack, Adam Smith and Marc Roberts, all perfectly suited and with the attributes needed to push for promotion.

I also think Toumani Diagouraga is perfect in that position, his runs forward, pragmatism and physical dominance on the pitch with a sprinkle of consistency can lead Leeds to that top 6.

Diagouraga has a serious set of attributes, his physicality, pace and drive brought a lot of attention to the ex Brentford man prior the transfer to Yorkshire, with Premier League teams interested Leeds did very well to snap up his signature.

‘Big Dave’ really wants to make an impact at Elland Road and really could do a job if consistently in the squad, his quality is there for all to see.

If Diagouraga is given that defensive midfielder role and Mowatt and Dack are able to roam forward he could thrive in breaking up play, and setting up some key offensive positions for The Whites, which we have seen already this season.

In similar roles, Cook loses the battle, Diagouraga has been at Elland Road for a fraction of the time and has kept highly rated Tom Adeyami out of the squad, whilst setting up 4 goals from defensive midfield and bagging 2 goals.

I feel if 'Big Dave' is here for a full season, he can really boss that position and act as a second line of defence for The Whites, alongside offensively being a lot stronger than Cook.

Stuart Dallas (RW- Leeds United)

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Dallas has been Leeds’ best offensive midfielder this season, he has drummed up a few assists and a few goals, but the winger has the potential to score more goals and win over the Elland Road faithful.

The dream 11 would need an out an out winger.

Someone who is direct and could search and provide goals for the strikers.

Dallas has pace, drive and an eye for goal.

His skillset meets the Championship’s top 6 and for me with the correct service and consistency like he had at Brentford through players like Alan Judge, Dallas would be reaching double figures in a season and be a crucial asset to Leeds’ playoff push.

Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson (LW – Charlton Athletic)

Johann Berg Gudmundsson

The former AZ Alkmaar man scored 11 goals during his maiden campaign in the Sky Bet Championship, and he is hopeful that he can be even more successful this time around and will be a deadly asset for any club in the second tier of English football.

Gudmundsson has Championship experience and has proved it time and time again.

The Iceland winger has terrorised Leeds for years now and once again at the weekend, he was superb against the Whites in a 2-1 win.

His eye for goal is superb and he is usually the shining man for Charlton in most their performances, the main man has been relegated with Charlton, so surely he will be on the market and ready to leave the League One outfit if a bigger deal came in.

After grabbing a succession of goals over his time in England, Gudmundsson has proved he can do it is and would be a shrewd acquisition.

 

Chris Wood (ST – Leeds United)

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Wood has been central to the Leeds’ goal tally this season, even if it is meagre, the talisman has been out for a large part of the season, so when fit he could be prolific.

After already tasting success with Leicester, Wood has experience within that top end of the league.

Anthony Knockaert was the creative genius who provided Wood with some of his finishes, Leeds if they get it right could get Wood on the right path to enjoy a fruitful season in the Championship, if the right men are providing him with clear cut chances.

If Leeds keep the Kiwi fit, Leeds could go on to do some damage next season.

What do you think Leeds fans? Is this a realistic dream 11 for promotion? Leave your comments and thoughts below!