Curbishley's in frame for Leeds

Alan Curbishley has emerged as a frontrunner to take over at Leeds from David O'Leary.

The Charlton manager's name is high on the shortlist of Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale following the shock sacking of O'Leary yesterday.

Despite denials from Ridsdale that Leeds have not approached anybody, Standard Sport understands that the Yorkshire club could already be involved in negotiations with a Premiership rival for permission to talk to their manager.

That leaves potential targets limited, and would inevitably include the two outstanding young English managers in the Premiership, Curbishley and Middlesbrough's Steve McClaren, who is also assistant to Sven-Goran Eriksson with England.

Curbishley's work at The Valley, on a limited budget, has impressed many people in the game since he took over as sole manager in 1995.

He has a reputation as a talented coach, concentrates on youth development and spends money wisely, a critical consideration for Leeds who have debts of £60million-Despite reports this morning linking Mick McCarthy with Leeds, we can confirm that the Republic of Ireland boss has not yet been contacted. Other names can be dismissed such as South Korea coach Guus Hiddink, who has just agreed to take over at PSV Eindhoven after the World Cup.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is also regarded as a major contender and reports suggest Leeds are attempting to negotiate a package that would allow him to leave Celtic Park.

Ridsdale said: "I haven't approached anybody. At the moment we have a shortlist which has been added to because a number of people have let it be known they would like to be considered.

"I've been pleasantly surprised by the interest expressed by some quality managers."

Meanwhile, O'Leary said: "I think I know who has got the job. It's already in place. I think I have done a good job. I went in and he (Ridsdale) said I was sacked - simple as that. He said nothing else, just that. I'm disappointed, but that's football."