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Sky Bet Championship: Darko Milanic named new Leeds manager

Image: Darko Milanic: Sturm Graz boss is understood to have completed terms to take over at Leeds United

Sky sources understand Leeds United have appointed Sturm Graz boss Darko Milanic as their new manager.

Sturm Graz have said on their website that Milanic - who been holding talks with Leeds owner Massimo Cellino this weekend - has been appointed, though United have not confirmed this. 

The Championship club have activated a clause in Milanic's contract, which allows him to buy out of his three-year deal, and the 46-year-old former Slovenia and Yugoslavia international will take over from caretaker manager Neil Redfearn.

Cellino sacked previous boss Dave Hockaday last month, just six games into his reign, and will be hoping the new man can plot a promotion charge.

"He had a release clause in his contract and this was bought out fully," said Sturm's general manager Gerhard Goldbrich.

"And it was pretty quickly clear that we were not going to stand in his way, when he was being given such an opportunity."

Milanic has been head coach of Sturm Graz for the past year, and guided the club to a mid-table position in the Austrian Bundesliga last season.

He was previously with Slovenian side Maribor, with whom he enjoyed great success, winning nine domestic trophies during five seasons in charge, but will next head to Yorkshire after admitting he could not reject this fresh challenge.

"It was not an easy decision for me because I've been so happy here," he said. "I actually wanted to stay here for longer, but then this offer arrived which I could not turn down.

"You've got to take chances like this because you never know whether one will come again.

"I will remain a big fan of Sturm Graz and am leaving behind an intact team who still need to improve."

Sturm president Christian Jauk, addressing Milanic directly, added: "It will be no easy task for you at Leeds, but it was also not one with us, so you are well prepared."

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