Leeds United's managerial vacancy is drawing lots of speculation, with the latest report hosting an eye-catching claim...

What’s the latest?

That comes from Spanish publication AS, who claim that director of football Victor Orta is considering offering his compatriot and Real Madrid legend Raul his first foray into senior management.

The report states that the Whites have made an approach to see if the Spaniard can be tempted away from Los Blancos' B team, where he currently is earning vital experience.

Whilst he has initially knocked them back, this acts as a marker of interest in the 45-year-old who went straight back to the Santiago Bernabeu after retiring as a player to begin his coaching career. It is clear where he sees his future.

Orta must avoid Raul

In their hour of need, now is not the time to take such a monumental risk.

Raul was a sensational player; that much no one would deny. The legendary marksman made 741 appearances whilst in the Spanish capital, scoring a monumental 323 goals and assisting a further 114.

He wrote himself into folklore at one of the most prestigious clubs of all time and earned widespread praise from a myriad of legends. Even Luis Figo once claimed:

"I think he is the greatest player to have ever played the game. He walks on the turf and astounds. It is utterly amazing."

Zinedine Zidane doubled down on this, by also noting:

"He is a role model for anyone who sets foot on the field to play." 

Whilst he could translate this maturity and leadership into a managerial role, he is yet to prove anything on the biggest stage that suggests he could succeed at Elland Road.

There is little data to indicate what philosophy he might employ or his man-management style, his ability can only really be gauged based on random testimony.

One of his former players, Miguel Gutierrez, did laud Raul as someone who improved him significantly as a footballer. He outlined his principles by claiming:

"Raul is a very demanding coach, he has made me improve a lot. I played with him in the Youth League, as well as Castilla, and he has made me grow a lot as a footballer and on a personal level”.

However, when actually looking at his results across his short stint in a coaching role, it makes for uninspiring viewing.

Across his 117 games at the helm, he has managed 52 wins with 35 draws and 30 losses, via Transfermarkt. This might seem impressive at first but realistically, it disappoints when considering he commands one of Spain's most illustrious youth setups.

With little to support his suggested appointment, whilst they stare relegation in the face, Orta must not return to convince Raul to take this plunge.