Leeds United have opened talks with Javi Gracia as they look to appoint a manager with Premier League experience to guide them to safety.
Former Watford manager Gracia is one of two names under consideration by Leeds but Rafa Benitez, the former Liverpool boss, is not in the running as he is holding out for a different project.
Leeds had been willing to leave Michael Skubala in interim charge until the end of the season, however, after Saturday's defeat by Everton pushed them deep into the relegation mire, and with a crucial game against Southampton this weekend, they have moved to bring in someone with greater experience.