Bringing in Ruben Amorim would be a 'huge statement' by Leeds United

Leeds United could make a ‘huge statement’ by bringing in Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as Marcelo Bielsa’s replacement, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Bielsa’s contract in west Yorkshire is set to expire over the summer, and with talks yet to take place over fresh terms, his tenure could be drawing to a conclusion.

The Argentine tactician has only committed himself to 12-month deals since winning promotion to the Premier League in 2019/20.

It’s believed Bielsa prefers to assess the playing squad, transfer budget and his ability to continue the club’s progression on a year-by-year basis before deciding whether to carry on or seek a new challenge.

However, The Athletic’s Phil Hay has previously claimed he has a ‘hunch’ that the enigmatic 66-year-old will call time on his Leeds tenure at the end of the current campaign.

A subsequent report in The Telegraph has listed former Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde, Huddersfield Town head coach Carlos Corberan and ex-RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch as Bielsa’s potential successors.

And according to Portuguese outlet UOL, Leeds are also contemplating making a move for Amorim as they line up the South American’s long-term heir but his reported €30 million (£25.7) release clause could be an issue.

Bielsa is enjoying his fourth season with the Whites, which is the longest time he has ever stayed in one job.

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Therefore, it would come as little surprise to see him depart ahead of next season, and O’Rourke believes bringing in Amorim as his replacement would be a declaration of the club’s intent.

He told GiveMeSport: “If Leeds could manage to persuade him (Amorim) to come to the club to replace Bielsa, if that was the