Former Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce is reportedly “in the frame” to make a shocking return to management with Leeds.

According to a report by The Athletic, Javi Gracia is “increasingly likely” to be sacked following their 4-1 defeat against Bournemouth at the weekend.

Gracia has only been in the hot seat for a couple of months after succeeding Jesse Marsch. There are also said to be doubts over the position of director of football Victor Orta.

The Yorkshire club are without a win in their last five matches and only above the Premier League relegation zone on goal difference heading into the final four games.

The report claims that Allardyce has emerged as a “leading candidate” to take over at Elland Road in a bid to beat the drop.

Big Sam has been out of management since leaving West Brom following the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign.

Before that, the 68-year-old had a stint at Everton and led the Toffees to an eighth-place finish.

He worked with Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear during his West Ham days, having spent four years with the London outfit.

Speaking last year about a potential return to management, Big Sam told Kammy and Ben's Proper Football Podcast: “Never say never.

“I’m never going to say never now, whatever might happen. If it feels right and I fancy it, then I’ll have a go.”

Leeds’ defeat at the Vitality Stadium was a blow to their survival hopes, with Jefferson Lerma bagging a brace for the hosts. Dominic Solanke and Antoine Semenyo were also on target.

They have a tricky final four matches on paper, facing three of the current top six in Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham.

The Elland Road club also still have to play relegation rivals West Ham, who currently sit four points above the drop zone.

Leeds narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship last term following a dramatic 2-1 win at Brentford on the final day, which sent Burnley down instead.

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