Leeds step up manager hunt

The Whites are searching for a new boss after Simon Grayson was sacked on Wednesday, 24 hours after the 4-1 home defeat to Birmingham.

A number of names, including former QPR boss Neil Warnock, Huddersfield's Lee Clark and MK Dons manager Karl Robinson have already been linked with the job. Sky Bet are also reporting they have received a run of money for Norwich boss Paul Lambert to move to Elland Road and have cut their odds from 50/1 to 10/1.

But the club insists that, as yet, they have made no approaches to replace Grayson and that the process of filling the vacancy will not begin until next week.

A statement on the club's official website read: "We can confirm that the club has been inundated with credible approaches for the vacant managerial position since the departure of Simon Grayson and his staff on Wednesday.

"The club will begin the process of examining the expressions of interest early next week.

"We can confirm at this stage that no approaches have been made, either directly or indirectly, to potential candidates, either in work or currently looking for employment, although we have been offered the services of many who are currently in work."

Leeds caretaker boss Neil Redfearn has refused to rule himself out of the running to take the job on a permanent basis.

Redfearn has stepped up from youth team manager to take charge of first-team affairs against Bristol City on Saturday.

"I am capable, that goes without saying, but the bottom line is the decision is up to the club. The decision is out of my hands.

"From my point of view I am only interested in Saturday's game and making sure everything's ready for whatever happens and whatever happens I will take it in my stride."