Leeds United rebuffed as Darrell Clarke signs lucrative new deal with Bristol Rovers

Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke has opted to stay in the West Country

United had been locked in talks with the West Country outfit regarding compensation details - expected to be in the region of £250,000.

But in a fresh development, the 38-year-old - who has led Rovers to back-to-back promotions from the National League and League Two - has decided to stay at the Memorial Stadium and has agreed fresh terms on a new three-year deal, dashing owner Massimo Cellino’s bid to bring him to West Yorkshire.

A statement from Rovers said: “Bristol Rovers are delighted to announce that Darrell Clarke has agreed to remain at The Memorial Stadium as manager and has agreed a new, improved, three-year contract which will make him the highest paid manager in the club’s history.

“There has been speculation all week that Darrell might be leaving following an approach by Leeds United to take him to Elland Road.

“Darrell believes that the ambitions of Bristol Rovers match his own and is looking forward to the challenge of preparing the club for life back in Sky Bet League One for the 2016/17 campaign.”

Cellino, currently abroad in Italy, is now reassessing his options for the head coach post at Elland Road, which is still officially held by Steve Evans.

The United owner has spoken in the national press about “a lot of good managers” queuing up for the head coach’s role, despite the rapid turnover of coaches under him.

Cellino also met MK Dons boss Karl Robinson for talks in London last week, but nothing materialised from that meeting with Robinson expressing doubts about the working conditions at the club, with United switching their attentions to Clarke.

Meanwhile, Evans - whose deal terminates at the end of June - is seeking clarity after being kept in the dark regarding his future.

A statement issued by the Scot said: “After lots of press calls and a further meeting with my advisors, it is very obvious the time has arrived for Mr Cellino to tell me I am not his head coach for next season.

“Out of respect for this great football club’s history, and to the Leeds United supporters, I’ll take that decision with good grace. This is a special club. It should have standards of excellence in everything it does.

“I now need to accept that I open my mind up to other options for my career. “Obviously I now need to know the direction of my career. In summary, I just need closure.”.