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Swansea are being driven mad by Marcelo Bielsa after El Loco delayed a decision on the manager’s job following contact from Roma.

Swans chairman Huw Jenkins flew to South America this week to hold talks with the former Atletico Bilboa and Marseille boss nicknamed the Crazy One.

But no deal has been sealed and the Swans now face competition from the Serie A club, who can offer him a Champions League date with Real Madrid in February.

Current coach Rudi Garcia is under pressure after failing to win a match since November 8, including getting knocked out of the Coppa Italia this week by Serie B side Spezia.

No change at the Stadio Olimpico will be made before Sunday's match with Genoa but Roma have already started contacting potential replacements, including Bielsa.

The Serie A club first tried to recruit him in 2011.

(Image: Getty Images)

The former Argentina and Chile coach, 60, is immediately available after walking out on Marseille in August.

But Swansea caretaker Alan Curtis will remain in post for Saturday’s visit of West Ham and Jenkins said more time is needed to find Garry Monk’s successor.

“We have been working tirelessly and diligently to fill the managerial void,” he said. “But the important thing is that we find the right person to complement our set-up.

“We would all like the appointment to happen sooner rather than later, but we will not rush into anything. If it takes us a little longer than expected then I’m sure it will be to the long-term benefit of this football club.”

(Image: PA)

His fellow Argentine Mauricio Pochettino said: “I’ve known him since 14-years-old, since I arrived at Newell’s Old Boys. It is a great opportunity for him but I don’t know if it’s true or not as I haven’t spoken to him for a while.

“He is good because maybe we will miss the Special One so maybe now we will have the Crazy One.”

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Bielsa nearly arrived in the Premier League in the summer when he made the final two on the Hammers' shortlist before they opted for Slaven Bilic.

The Croat , who described Monk’s sacking as “sad and shocking”, said: “They call him El Loco – a big, big manager with big experience. He is the master of pressing high.”