Leeds decide on new manager

Leeds have decided on the man they want to replace David O'Leary and an approach will be made over the next few days.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is understood to be their top target with Republic of Ireland boss Mick McCarthy also believed to be in the frame.

The Leeds board met yesterday at a hotel in Harrogate to decide on the man they want to succeed O'Leary, who was sacked on Thursday after four years in charge.

A statement on the club's official website this morning read: "United have confirmed that a preferred managerial candidate has been selected by the plc board of directors and an approach will be made over the next few days.

"The board of directors met on Sunday to discuss the candidates and a unanimous decision was made."

A Leeds spokesman added: "The plc board spoke on Sunday and the chairman will make his moves over the next 48 hours, we will not be rushed on this."

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn claims no contact has been made between the two clubs and insists any approach for the man who has won two league championships since his arrival in the east end of Glasgow two years ago will not be welcome.

Quinn told the Scottish Sun: "There has been a lot of speculation. I have not spoken to Martin.

"There has been no approach to us - and we certainly wouldn't welcome one. There's no need to do anything about Martin's position because nothing has happened."

O'Neill is due back at Celtic tomorrow after working as a pundit for the BBC during the World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan.

One man who has been ruled out of the Elland Road hot seat is Blackburn boss Graeme Souness.

The former Liverpool and Southampton manager was thought to be a candidate for the job but Blackburn have insisted the Scotsman is going no where.

Blackburn's chief executive John Williams said: "Graeme is holidaying in Spain at the moment, but we speak every day on the telephone. Our conversations revolve around our team and our plans for next season.

"On the subject of speculation in the media, Graeme has said to me that he is simply not interested and he wants to stay at Blackburn.

"He has another year to run on his contract and prior to the World Cup, we opened negotiations to lengthen that arrangement."