Exclusive: Journalist Phil Hay gives reasons why Leeds and 49ers are delaying announcement of new manager

Leeds United may hold off from announcing their new manager until San Francisco 49ers Enterprises are officially confirmed as the club’s new owners.

That is according to Phil Hay of the Athletic, who reports while Leeds may get everything else in line in terms of choosing a candidate and bringing in backroom staff, they could delay officially confirming it.

It is now two weeks since Leeds announced an agreement had been reached between 49ers Enterprises and Andrea Radrizzani for a 100% buyout of the club.

However, the takeover is still subject to EFL approval and so at this point, Radrizzani officially remains as majority shareholder, even if he is not having a say in how the club is run.

That said, Hay does also claim there is a ‘serious chance’ the EFL officially ratifies the takeover in the next seven days, which could see a manager announcement follow swiftly after.

Leeds may hold off announcing manager
Additionally, according to Leeds Live, the club are keen to ‘ensure everything is done in the right order’, meaning the takeover is announced first.

While fans are, of course, eager to learn who Leeds‘ next manager will be, it is equally important that everything is done correctly so the EFL aren’t breathing down their necks for any breaches.

Leeds are looking to wrap up the process of their new manager before the end of the weekend, with final interviews now said to have taken place after a long week of face-to-face discussions with candidates in London.

All that is left for Leeds to do now is make the decision, which is clearly something 49ers have been keen to take their time on, to ensure the right man is selected.

Once the takeover and manager is officially sorted, it will be time to move on to the transfer market, with plenty of incomings and outgoings anticipated.