Arne slot gacor has become the latest manager to turn Leeds down after confirming he will stay at Feyenoord.
Sportsmail understands the Whites could now try and revive a move for Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola, despite that deal looking dead in the water on Wednesday night.
Slot had become Leeds' top target to replace Jesse Marsch after Carlos Corberan signed a new contract at West Brom and unsuccessful talks with Iraola and his club Rayo.
But 44-year-old Slot has decided not to switch to Elland Road as he chases an historic treble with Feyenoord, who he has led to the top of Eredivisie.
Slot confirmed on Friday there had been an approach from Leeds but said: ‘It is true that I will stay with Feyenoord, I can say that with this one.
That is clear, fans do not have to be afraid.
Arne Slot has become latest manager to reject the advances of Leeds in favour of staying put
The Dutchman has opted to complete what could be a historic season with Feyenoord
‘It was a compliment that a club like Leeds was interested, but we are doing something great with Feyenoord.
‘We are in a great position in the league, the cup and Europe.
There is no disappointment. It's certainly not a punishment to stay here.'
Leeds director of football Victor Orta's first choice has always been Spaniard Iraola and he flew to Madrid to meet him on Tuesday.
Rayo appeared to have blocked any hope of poaching Iraola, who is contracted until the end of the season and told Spanish media this week he would see his deal out.
However, Leeds have not given up hope of prising the 40-year-old away and are prepared to pay his release clause of around £7million.
In the meantime, Michael Skubala will take charge of Leeds' clash with Manchester United on Sunday.
The Whites Under-21s coach, who was previously the England Futsal manager, got his interim reign off to a fine start against United on Wednesday night, when his side led 2-0 before having to settle for a point.
This weekend is likely to be Skubala's last match in the hotseat, with Leeds desperate to have a new manager in place for next Saturday's trip to Everton.
The club's first choice remains Andoni Iraola and are pondering a move to try and get him again
But asked whether he was enjoying his period in charge, the 40-year-old said: ‘I have loved it.
Is that allowed? I've been preparing for this for 20 years.
‘I'm not planning for anything other than day-to-day communication with the board. I'm just doing the best I can do in this in this short time.
‘I've always had the philosophy, look after the day and tomorrow looks after itself.
I just want to do the best job I can do in the moment and through my career.
‘Hopefully people that have worked with me or people that have led me will say good things and that's what's most important.
‘I'm really happy where I'm at.
I've always been happy in the roles I've done. And I've always been happy with my own personal journey to learn. If I'm learning and I'm developing, no problem.'
It comes days after club decided to finally part ways with Jesse Marsch after weeks of pressure
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