Clarke has attracted an official approach from Leeds after United’s interest in MK Dons’ manager Karl Robinson came to nothing.
The 38-year-old is among a list of lower-league coaches singled out by Leeds as potential replacements for existing head coach Steve Evans and his chances have increased on the back of unsuccessful talks between Robinson and United owner Massimo Cellino.
Robinson, who has managed MK Dons for the past six years, spoke with Cellino in London last week but emerged from that meeting with doubts about the position at Elland Road and the prospect of working under the controversial Italian.
Sources at Elland Road told the Yorkshire Evening Post yesterday that Robinson was “very unlikely” to be installed as Evans’ successor.
Leeds have already looked at Oldham Athletic manager John Sheridan, the ex-United midfielder, but the club did not follow up initial enquiries with an official approach to speak with him.
Clarke, however, is firmly on their radar having led Bristol Rovers to back-to-back promotions from the National League and League Two.
The former Hartlepool United player has managed Rovers since 2014 and won promotion back into the Football League at the first attempt.
His squad claimed automatic promotion to League One at the start of this month with a dramatic injury-time goal on the last day of the season.
He was named League Two manager-of-the-month for March after six wins from seven games.
Clarke is one of the youngest manager in the Football League and his only other coaching job was held at non-league Salisbury City, the club where he finished his playing career.
United’s search for a new head coach is continuing despite the fact that Evans officially remains in post at Elland Road.
The Scot has a deal until the end of June and is due back at work tomorrow after a short break abroad but he looks set to part company with the club in the coming weeks after 38 games in charge.
Evans said: “I’m refreshed and l’ll be working until someone tells me different.”
Read more: http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/breaking-leeds-united-whites-approach-bristol-rovers-boss-darrell-clarke-1-7927558#ixzz49ZMO4mN4