Relegation-haunted Leeds turn to ex-Hornets boss Gracia

Leeds have announced Javi Gracia as Jesse Marsch's successor, subject to the Spaniard being granted a work permit. 

The Whites took their time appointing a new head coach after axing Marsch earlier this month, largely because a number of targets turned down the club's advances. 

But former Watford boss Gracia, 52, who has been out of work since leaving Al Sadd last year, is now tasked with leading the Yorkshire outfit to safety. 

He has agreed what has been described as a "flexible contract" at Elland Road and Leeds hope he will be able to take charge of Saturday's home game against fellow Premier League strugglers Southampton. 

Last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Everton extended the team's winless league run to 10 matches and left them second from bottom in the table on 19 points. 

Michael Skubala was placed in charge on a temporary basis following Marsch's departure and is now expected to return to his role as Under-21s boss.

Gracia replaced Marco Silva at Watford in January 2018, with the club five points above the drop zone. 

He went on to help the Hornets secure their Premier League status and finish 14th — eight points clear of the relegation places. 

In his first full season in charge at Vicarage Road, Gracia was named the Manager of the Month in August 2018 and guided the club to an 11th-placed finish, their highest ever in the Premier League. 

He also led the club to the 2019 FA Cup final, where they were thrashed 6-0 by Manchester City at Wembley. 

Still hugely popular with the Watford faithful, Gracia was relieved of his duties just four games into the 2019-20 season. Following his spell in England, he took over at LaLiga side Valencia.