Leeds could hire Marcelo Bielsa's perfect successor in Rangers boss Steven Gerrard amid a major reveal by Phil Hay.

What's the story?

Speaking on Ask Ornstein, The Athletic's Hay name-checked Gerrard when discussing who could potentially succeed Bielsa as Leeds boss at Elland Road, with the Argentine's future still in the air given that his contract comes to an end this summer.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about Gerrard potentially taking over at the club however, former Leeds man Carlton Palmer seemed to pour cold water on a move, saying: "I think Stevie G's had a fantastic season up at Rangers. I can't for the life of me see Stevie G leaving Rangers at this moment in time, apart from going back to Liverpool Football Club and I don't think (Jurgen) Klopp's going for a couple of seasons yet."

Gerrard would be a perfect Bielsa replacement

While Leeds undoubtedly want Bielsa to stay given everything he's built at Elland Road, there will be a time where the Argentine might call it a day, and it's a prospect that Andrea Radrizzani will need to be ready for.

And in Gerrard, the Whites could hire arguably their perfect Bielsa successor.

His management style has earned him high praise from those who have had the chance to work under him, including former Spurs star Jermain Defoe, who reveled at his Bielsa-esque work ethic.

He said of Gerrard: "I don’t think it surprised me (his success) because he’s a winner. He always talks about Rangers standards, even if you are winning 6-0 or 7-0, the standards can’t drop. It’s not really surprised me he’s done well, to be honest."

The former Liverpool man himself has delivered an insight into his footballing philosophy, saying: "That means trying to be a really tough team to play against, an aggressive team in the right way, but also play football at the right times in the right areas of the pitch."

That intent on being "aggressive", pressing from the front and being pleasing on the eye is what's carried Rangers to a Scottish Premiership title, and why he seems like he's schooled himself in the Bielsa style of coaching.

And just like the Leeds hero, Gerrard is a huge presence on the touch-line, constantly barking out instructions and immediately getting a response from his players.

[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news" title="Latest Leeds transfer rumours and news"]

That's not to mention the kind of similarities in the way both Gerrard and Bielsa have both dealt with player infractions this season, and how they've been keen to lay down the letter of the law and ensure those standards and principles are met.

If Radrizzani is looking to appoint someone who can bring that Bielsa energy both on and off the pitch, then Gerrard fits that bill to a tee. The "relentless" Gers boss could be the perfect fit at Leeds.

Meanwhile, Leeds are interested in signing this "Rolls-Royce of a player"...