Thursday 15 June 2017 16:48, UK
Leeds United have appointed former Spain international Thomas Christiansen as their new head coach, the club have confirmed.
The 44-year-old had been managing in Cyprus with Apoel Nicosia, but he has left his post with them to make the move to Elland Road.
Sky sources reported the news earlier on Thursday, and the club have now confirmed his appointment via a statement.
"We are delighted to make this announcement today as it successfully concludes what has been a thorough and extensive search, following a huge level of interest from all over the football world," said Leeds United Managing Director Angus Kinnear.
"We wanted to appoint someone who can help us create a winning culture at the club and unite everyone connected with Leeds United, from the players to the supporters, ultimately taking the club back to where we all feel we belong.
"Thomas was someone who had been on our radar from the very early stages of the process and quickly established himself as the outstanding candidate.
"We are confident we have found a man with who can work with us to take the club to the next level."
Christiansen had not been mentioned as a name in the frame for the role in any media and his appointment comes very much from left field.
He was born in Denmark to a Spanish mother and spent most of his playing career as a striker in Spain, featuring twice for the Spain national team.
His only previous managerial experience comes in the Cypriot league, as he managed AEK Larnaca between 2014 and 2016, before taking charge at Apoel Nicosia last season.
Christiansen also spent a short time as assistant manager at Abu Dhabi-based club Al Jazira in the United Arab Emirates in 2013, under Luis Milla.
Christiansen arrives at Leeds as a replacement for new Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk, who resigned in May just two days after Andrea Radrizzani completed his takeover of the club from Massimo Cellino.