Carlos Corberan – Marcelo Bielsa’s former No 2 at Leeds – is open to an Elland Road return

Carlos Corberan would give serious consideration to a return to Leeds following the sacking of Jesse Marsch.

The Spaniard, who was assistant to Marcelo Bielsa and Under 23s coach during his three years at Elland Road from 2017, is a leading contender for the vacancy having impressed since taking charge of West Bromwich Albion in October.

Marsch was summoned to a crisis meeting at the Thorp Arch training centre yesterday morning, along with chief executive Angus Kinnear and sporting director Victor Orta, where he was informed of the decision to fire him.

The American, visibly shaken by the news, was consoled by Kinnear and Orta. But the club’s ownership, led by majority shareholder Andrea Radrizzani, have long held reservations about his suitability.

Corberan, who was considered for the Everton job following Frank Lampard’s sacking, is tempted by a return to Leeds. However, there is a feeling the club, primarily Orta and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, will explore other options, too.

West Brom manager Carlos Corberan would seriously consider becoming Leeds manager

West Brom’s Carlos Corberan (left) has emerged as a contender to replace Jesse Marsch at Leeds

Corberan was former assistant coach at Leeds under former boss Marcelo Bielsa

Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola is another high on their list and is admired particularly by Orta.

The 40-year-old former Spain right back speaks English following a stint at New York City as a player and has lifted Vallecano to seventh in La Liga — bringing the best out of some of their young players. He has also led them to the last four of the Spanish Cup.

Sources indicated yesterday that 49-year-old Marsch would have been dismissed earlier had it not been for the unequivocal backing of Orta, who led his appointment following the dismissal of Bielsa last February.

Indeed, the appointment of American Chris Armas to Marsch’s coaching team last month was seen as a show of support for the under-fire boss.

But Sunday’s loss to Nottingham Forest was the final straw for Leeds’ owners, who have grown increasingly concerned about the team’s alarming slide towards relegation.

Sportsmail has learned there was internal tension over the club’s recruitment strategy during the January transfer window. 

The club-record £35million arrival of Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim, a deal led by Orta, is said not to have had unanimous backing.

Leeds are above the relegation zone on goal difference following a run of seven Premier League matches without a win. 

Marsch had been supported behind the scenes by Leeds’ sporting director Victor Orta (left)

Rayo Vallecano coach Andoni Iraola is another possible candidate for the Leeds vacancy

Iraola (right) also had previously dealings with Bielsa during his playing days at Athletic Club Bilbao

Michael Skubala, the Under 21s coach, will take caretaker charge for the game at Manchester United tomorrow, alongside Armas and Paco Gallardo.

Supporters had turned on Marsch in recent weeks, which strengthened the belief of certain figures at Leeds that he should lose his job.

Additional reporting: Tom Collomosse