Sunderland-linked boss ‘close’ to an agreement with club as Leeds plot move to re-sign £42m fan favourite

Sunderland-linked manager Danny Rohl is ‘close’ to an agreement with Sheffield Wednesday which will put an end to speculation surrounding his future.

The Sunderland Echo understands that the Black Cats board are huge admirers of the 35-year-old manager who was miraculously able to steer the Owls to safety after the club’s worst ever start to a league season under Xisco Munoz.

He, along with recently axed Hull City boss Liam Rosenior, is amongst the board’s top targets for the managerial role as they look to find a long-term replacement to Michael Beale.

However, Wednesday are keen to retain Rohl’s services after the club’s turnaround in fortunes and reports from  BBC Sport claim that he is close to reaching an agreement with the Owls board over a new and improved deal.

Senior sports journalist Rob Staton explained on X: “Per sources, Danny Rohl and Sheffield Wednesday close to an agreement. Negotiations in final stages.”

The German’s current contract at Hillsborough runs until the summer of 2025.

Leeds United plot sentimental move to re-sign fan favourite

Leeds United are one win away from returning to the promised land of the Premier League after last season’s relegation.

The Whites take on Southampton in the Championship play-off final on Sunday in a fixture described as the most lucrative single game in world football. 

If Leeds are to win promotion they will hope to invest heavily in their squad to ensure that they have the experience and quality to remain in the Premier League next time around.

With that in mind, it is therefore claimed that Daniel Farke will look to re-sign former club captain Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, according to CityExtra.

The 28-year-old, who played over 200 times for the West Yorkshire club, was a vital member of the team which won promotion under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020.

He was the club’s top performing player during the club’s impressive ninth place finish a year later - earning him regular England caps and a starting spot as the nation reached the Euro 2020 final.

Phillips' form for Leeds earned him a blockbuster £42 move to Manchester City in 2022, but since signing he has rarely featured and has only played in 16 Premier League games.

In a bid to regain his England spot, Phillips was loaned to West Ham to try and gain first team football. However, the move did not work out as planned and the midfielder was heavily criticised for his performances by the Hammers.

A return to Leeds could be the perfect move to rejuvenate Phillips’ career, however the hefty asking price of £30m could be a potential stumbling block in the deal.