Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Marcelo Bielsa is waiting on certain assurances from the Leeds United hierarchy before he signs a new contract.

Bielsa’s current deal expires following the conclusion of the current campaign, and he is yet to commit his future to the west Yorkshire outfit.

What is the latest news involving Bielsa?

The Argentine tactician is currently in his fourth season as Leeds boss, which is the longest time he has ever spent in a job throughout his entire managerial career.

During his stint with the Elland Road outfit, Bielsa has made a habit of signing one-year contract extensions as he prefers to assess the playing squad, budget and whether he is capable of carrying on the club’s progression before putting pen to paper on fresh terms.

The South American only signed a new deal on the eve of Leeds’ first Premier League fixture in 16 years against Liverpool back in 2020, meaning he is unlikely to be in a rush to do so this time around either.

However, doubts are beginning to arise over Bielsa’s long-term future, with The Athletic’s Phil Hay stating his has a ‘hunch’ the 66-year-old will seek a new challenge in the summer.

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And fellow journalist David Andersen has previously informed GiveMeSport that the Leeds hierarchy are already searching for the innovative tactician’s long-term heir.

What has Palmer said about Bielsa?

Despite the ongoing speculation surrounding Bielsa’s future, Palmer claims the Whites are yet to offer him an extension before suggesting the ex-Athletic Bilbao boss is waiting for assurance over his spending power.

He told GMS: “Bielsa has made it quite clear. He said that he is very happy living in England, his family's very happy living in England, and if the club made him a new offer, then he would consider it very carefully.

“So, as I understand it, the club haven't made him an offer yet, and he said he will consider it. So again, when you when you hear that, reading between the lines, it's whether they can give him the type of money that he needs to take the club forward.”

Who could replace Bielsa at Leeds?

According to The Telegraph, a three-man shortlist consisting of Jesse Marsch, Ernesto Valverde and Carlos Corberan has been drawn up as Leeds assess their options, should Bielsa depart.

Marsch was recently sacked by RB Leipzig after an impressive stint at their sister club Salzburg, while Valverde previously guided Barcelona to consecutive La Liga titles.

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Town boss Corberan is a familiar name to everyone associated with Leeds having worked under Bielsa as a technical coach from 2018 to 2020.