DARKO Milanic is expected to be confirmed as the new Leeds manager after Sturm Graz announced he had left his position as their head coach.

The Austrian outfit confirmed yesterdat that Milanic had received an offer from United and at a press conference today announced that he would be leaving the UPC-Arena to take over at Elland Road.

"He had a release clause in his contract and this was bought out fully," said Sturm's general manager Gerhard Goldbrich.

"And it was pretty quickly clear that we were not going to stand in his way, when he was being given such an opportunity."

Leeds have been looking for a new manager since dismissing Dave Hockaday in August after the former Forest Green boss secured just one Sky Bet Championship victory during his 70-day tenure.

The 11th-placed Whites are unbeaten under the supervision of caretaker manager Neil Redfearn, who oversaw a 3-0 home victory over Huddersfield on Saturday and who is likely to be closely consulted by Milanic on first-team team matters during the early weeks.

"It was not an easy decision for me because I've been so happy here," said the Slovenian of his decision to leave Graz.

"I actually wanted to stay here for longer, but then this offer arrived which I could not turn down.

"You've got to take chances like this because you never know whether one will come again.

"I will remain a big fan of Sturm Graz and am leaving behind an intact team who still need to improve."

Sturm president Christian Jauk, addressing Milanic directly, added: "It will be no easy task for you at Leeds, but it was also not one with us, so you are well prepared."

As a player, Milanic captained Slovenia at Euro 2000 and, upon turning to management, guided Maribor to four Slovenian league titles and three Slovenian Cup wins.

He joined Sturm Graz on a three-year contract in June 2013, guiding the Styrian club to a fifth-placed finish in 2013-14.