Patrick Vieira in contention for vacant Leeds job

Former Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has emerged as a potential candidate for the vacant managerial role at Leeds United, according to Sky Sports.

The 46-year-old is a free agent after an unceremonious departure from the Selhurst Park club in March following an appalling 12-game winless run.

Vieira enjoyed a fairly successful first year at Palace, guiding the Eagles to a respectable 12th-place finish and giving cause for optimism about his future at the club.

However, last season did not pan out as expected, with the South Londoners embroiled in a relegation scrap before his mid-season departure.

Vieira was replaced by club favourite Roy Hodgson, who proved a shrewd acquisition as he steered the Eagles away from relegation trouble to an 11th-place finish.

Despite his underwhelming second season at Palace, Vieira has been linked with a quick return to the managerial hot seat, with Leeds looking for a new manager to spearhead their promotion charge.

The Whites breezed through three managers last summer, and not even Sam Allardyce was able to stop their descent to the Championship. 

Changes at the board level mean Leeds want to avoid making a hasty managerial decision like last season. The club is keen to speak with several targets before making an announcement.

Leeds are set to begin interviews for their vacant role this week, and Vieira is one of those the club wants to speak to, along with German tactician Daniel Farke and former Bournemouth manager Scott Parker.

Farke was linked with a move to Celtic after parting ways with Bundesliga giants Borussia Monchengladbach, but the Scottish Premiership champions opted for a more familiar figure in Brendan Rodgers.

Farke is still a free agent, along with Parker, who left Belgium top flight side Club Brugge in March following an awful 12-match run.

West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan is also on Leeds’ extensive shortlist, but there have been no approach for the Spanish tactician yet.