Leeds United called time on Simon Grayson's four-year tenure in charge of the club this afternoon.

Grayson has left the club just three points outside the play-offs.

With that in mind, Sports Mole has taken a look at the early frontrunners to replace Grayson and accept the challenge of a promotion push with Leeds.

Neil Warnock

Having been sacked by Queens Park Rangers early last month, Warnock may very well be tempted by a quick return to management. Securing promotion is Warnock's speciality, having done so in recent times with Sheffield United and QPR. It is believed that Warnock would only be interested in joining a club with ambition, something the Elland Road-based club have in abundance.

Odds: 4/7

Roberto Di Matteo

Despite being currently employed by Chelsea as an assistant to Andre Villas-Boas, Di Matteo is said to be keen on taking an outright managerial role. Di Matteo has previous experience with MK Dons and West Brom and would likely be keen to had Leeds United to his CV.

Odds: 3/1

Steve Bruce

Bruce's reputation took a knock following his departure from Sunderland in December 2011, so a chance to rebuild his standing within the game may very well appeal to the 51-year-old. The drop down to the Championship is not something that is believed to bother Bruce, who has gone on record to say that his next job would have to be with a club that showed high ambitions. One thing that may count against Bruce is his Manchester United connections.

Odds: 6/1

Lee Clark

There are not many management jobs in the Championship that Huddersfield boss Lee Clark hasn't been linked with, and the Leeds vacancy is no different. Clark is believed to have turned down Leicester City and Nottingham Forest last year, but the lure of Leeds could prove to strong for the 39-year-old. However, he may be tempted to stay with Huddersfield to see out their promotion push.

Odds: 7/1

Dave Jones

Having left Cardiff City at the end of last season, Jones is said to be eager for a return to management. His failure to get the Bluebirds promoted via the play-offs may count against him, but he does possess a host of experience in the second tier of English football.

Odds: 8/1