Bielsa hints at plans to stay put
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has hinted that he is willing to extend his stay at Elland Road but insists he has no interest in opening talks until the end of the season.
The Whites' board has made their intentions clear as they try to tie down the Argentinean to a fourth season. The 65-year-old has taken Leeds from mid-table in the Championship to the Premier League, and with them sitting 12th in the table, the Whites can still finish in the top half with a decent end to the season.
Bielsa signed a one-year extension to his contract in September after guiding Leeds to promotion, but he is adamant the delays in talks do not mean he wants to leave the West Yorkshire club.
He told reporters: "The first thing I want to highlight, because what it seems like is that the president is offering me an extension, and I am delaying it.
"It could be interpreted as the club having more of a desire for me to stay than I do, and that's not the case.
"In no way do I want to position myself above the club. I reiterate I am not going to manage any other options until my job here at Leeds is done. There is no speculation from my part."
Bielsa's admission that he can see himself staying at Leeds will be a huge boost for his players ahead of Southampton's visit on Tuesday.
The Whites and Saints will meet for the first time this season, but Kalvin Phillips and Rodrigo will play no part in the game due to injury.
Diego Llorente is fit and available, meaning Pascal Struijk could move into midfield for Elland Road's clash.
After failing to score last time out against Wolves, Leeds will be looking to make a statement, and they are 13.00 to win 2-0.
Meanwhile, they are 2.10 in the match betting, with the draw 3.70 and Southampton 3.30.
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