Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale has scotched reports that the club have secured the services of Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren to replace the sacked David O'Leary.
Newspaper reports today suggested McClaren was expected to agree a deal later in the week, but though Ridsdale confirmed the club had identified their target, he insisted it had not approached the Boro boss.
"I can say unequivocally I have had no contact whatsoever with Steve McClaren," said the Leeds chairman, who revealed they expected to announce the new manager by Thursday.
"Reports that I have are unfair on Middlesbrough and Leeds United.
"We have identified who we want to bring in and I would be very surprised if we don't have him in place within the two-week time frame we were working towards when David O'Leary was sacked," he told Sky Sports News. Leeds United Supporters' Club chairman Ray Fell was also quick to play down reports of McClaren's supposed imminent arrival at Elland Road. "The board have been meeting over the last week but I don't believe anyone has been approached," he said.
"At one stage we were led to believe by media speculation that Martin O'Neill was already in our pocket but I am convinced so far there has been no public move."
"I wonder if there is a grey area with the applications and there might be someone we have not yet mentioned."
"Just let us get it right."