Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is being targeted by Barcelona as a potential replacement for Ronald Koeman.

What's the story?

According to Spanish publication Cuatro, the Argentine is among a number of targets being considered by the La Liga giants as they contemplate getting rid of the Dutchman amid a disastrous start to the new season - they've managed just two wins from their opening five league games.

It's suggested that, having been on Barcelona's list years ago, Bielsa's stance could change on leaving Leeds if an offer came in which was too good to turn down.

Fans would be gutted

The level of affinity and love that Leeds fans have for Bielsa is unquestionable, with the 66-year-old a firm favourite in Yorkshire for the way he has embraced the city and brought the Whites back to the big time of the Premier League.

Leeds enjoyed a superb first season back in the top-flight last term, finishing in the top ten and picking up some notable scalps along the way, not least a fantastic victory over eventual Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

After Spurs decided to sack Jose Mourinho before the end of the campaign, Carlton Palmer suggested that Bielsa could be tempted by a switch to north London.

He said: "You want to better yourself. You want to get the top jobs, just like players want to go to top clubs, so it'd be a fantastic opportunity for him.

"If Spurs come knocking, that's a different ball game. That's a great career opportunity for him. I'd be very surprised if Tottenham came knocking and he wasn't prepared to go."

While moving to Spurs would be one thing, Barcelona are a completely different kettle of fish - one of the best clubs in the world and regularly challenging for major trophies both home and abroad.

Make no mistake about it, more than any new signing they could potentially make, ensuring that Bielsa remains at Elland Road for the long-term must be Andrea Radrizzani's biggest priority.

The fact that pundits are talking of Bielsa going to one of the Premier League's 'big-six' clubs should be seen as a compliment and recognition for the incredible work he has done at Elland Road, not an insult.

However, it could raise questions as to whether the 66-year-old could move to an elite European club sooner rather than later, and the potential opening at Barcelona could present him with an opportunity to do just that.

It's exactly why Radrizzani must avoid making an unforgivable howler and ensure that the Argentine stays put at Elland Road. Leeds fans would be absolutely devastated if he doesn't.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has delivered an update on this former key figure at Elland Road...