Leonardo Jardim turns down chance to manage Al-Nassr, awaiting move to English Premier League

Leonardo Jardim, who has been without a job since October following his departure from Monaco, has rejected the chance to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr.

Jardim was thought to have been set to join the club, situated in the same country Jorge Jesus now works, having been offered a contract worth in the region of €12million per year. However, he has turned down the multi-million pound deal to instead pursue alternative opportunities. 

Jardim had even travelled to Saudi Arabia earlier this week to watch Al-Nassr take on Al-Wehda in the King Fahd stadium, sparking further rumours that the deal had been confirmed.

The director of football at Al-Nassr, currently also the caretaker manager, is Helder Cristavão, the former Portuguese footballer, who oversaw the side's 2-1 home defeat last weekend.

With Jardim turning down the move, speculation has now ensued, with reports emerging that he is now awaiting the opportunity to join an English Premier League side, where he would be joining up with compatriots Marco Silva, Nuno Espirito Santo and Jose Mourinho. That, or replacing one of them...

Some reports even claim that he has already been approached by a Premier League outfit, with A Bola indicating that a move to the English top flight is on the pipeline. Other high-profile sources have said the same.

However, with no Premier League vacancies currently on offer, after Southampton's managerial position was filled earlier this week, who the unnamed English club could be, if there is one, is up for debate.

One suggestion is Manchester United; with Jose Mourinho's position under increasing scrutiny, Jardim seems like a good candidate to take over from his compatriot should the club decide change is necessary. Equally, he could also fill the position of director of football at Old Trafford, with United looking for someone to hire in this role.