Darko Milanic Admits He is Flattered to be Linked with Leeds United Job

Sturm Graz manager Darko Milanic has admitted he is flattered to be linked with the vacant Leeds United job but insists there had been no "concrete enquiries" from the Championship club.

The Slovenian coach has emerged as the latest candidate to take the managerial reins at Elland Road after owner Massimo Cellino sacked David Hockaday just seven games into his tenure.

Temporary manager Neil Redfearn guided the Whites to a 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Wednesday, but despite picking up seven points from his three games in charge Cellino has already confirmed Redfearn will return to his role at the club's academy when an appointment is made.

Former strikers Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Robbie Fowler are both keen on the role but recent reports suggest the club will turn to 46-year-old Milanic.

Sturm, one of Austria's most powerful clubs, insisted earlier this week there was no truth to rumours linking their manager to Leeds and former defender Milanic has since revealed he is yet to be approached by the Yorkshire club.

"It is nice that you're in conversation in connection with such a traditional club," Milanic was quoted as saying by Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung.

"This is a positive, pleasant stress for me. It gives me confidence. But I can say that there has never been any concrete inquiry for me."

Milanic's comments follow an official statement he released through the club's official website which stated: "In football, there are always rumours. But there have been no offers to me from another club. I am 100% focused on the job at SK Sturm."

With no outstanding candidate for the role at Elland Road, Cellino has vowed to take a measured approach in naming his new manager.

The Italian, who sacked 36 managers during his 22-year ownership of Serie A side Cagliari, has already cut ties with two managers in Brian McDermott and Hockaday since completing his takeover of the club six months ago.