Leeds icon Marcelo Bielsa lined up for return to management with Athletic Bilbao after talks with presidential candidate

MARCELO Bielsa is reportedly being lined up by Athletic Bilbao to be their new manager.

Bielsa, 66, was sacked by Leeds in February despite being a popular figure at the club as the team were dragged into a relegation battle.

Richard Pelham / The Sun

He managed Bilbao for two seasons from 2011 to 2013 and could be on his way back to the club.

Reports in the Bilbao press suggest he has an agreement with Inaki Arechabaleta to take over as manager if he becomes club president.

Arechabaleta is running for president alongside two other candidates and Bielsa’s move to Athletic Club hinges on the presidential battle.

During his first season at the Basque club he came runners-up in the Europa League and the Copa del Rey.

However they finished 12th in LaLiga the following year and he left when his contract expired at the end of the season.

Athletic Bilbao finished the 2021/22 season in 8th and reached the final of the Supercopa de Espana, but it was not enough for Marcelino to keep his job.

The doomed PSG and former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a surprise candidate for the vacant manager’s job.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

If Arechabaleta’s competitor Ricardo Barkala wins the presidential vote, Pochettino could take over.

The 50-year-old is one of many managers influenced by Bielsa.

Bielsa managed Poch at Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys.