Javi Gracia has emerged as a contender to take over at Leeds United until the end of the season.
The former Watford manager is free after leaving Qatari club Al-Sadd and is understood to be willing to accept a short term contract.
Leeds had been willing to leave Michael Skubala in interim charge after failing to find their preferred candidate to replace Jesse Marsch.
However, Saturday's performance and 1-0 defeat to Everton triggered further talks among the worried club hierarchy who are fearful the threat of relegation has become a very real prospect.
Leeds are in the bottom three and face another six pointer with Southampton this weekend. Though Skubala is well regarded, the club believe a manager with greater experience may now be needed to navigate their path to safety and have drawn up another shortlist of contenders.
Leeds could bring in former Watford manager Javi Gracia until the end of the season
The club had been willing to stick with Michael Skubala for the rest of the campaign
Sporting director Victor Orta now feels they could do with more experience to avoid relegation
Leeds had reached out to former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez but so far, he is understood to be holding out for a different project. Other names are being considered too.
Gracia, 52, was a popular figure among staff at Watford where he succeeded Marco Silva and guided the club to Premier League safety and an FA Cup final in 2018-19.
However he was sacked the following September, like so many Watford managers, after a poor start to the season.
Gracia's last job saw him retain the league title with Al-Sadd after he took over as coach from Xavi who had left for Barcelona.
He has also coached at Valencia, Malaga and Rubin Kazan and is well known to Leeds director of football Victor Orta.
