Leeds United have appointed Thomas Christiansen as their new manager.

The 44-year-old former Spain international he met with club owner Andrea Radrizzani in Madrid this week.

We understand that Radrizzani was blown away with the Danish-born coach and immediately called off the manager search following the interview.

Leeds United are set to appoint Thomas Christiansen as the new manager at Elland Road

The Elland Road club announced Christiansen as replacement for Garry Monk, who quit last month and has since joined Middlesbrough, on Thursday. He will hold his first press conference as manager on Monday.

Christiansen most recently managed Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia, who were crowned champions this year and reached the last 16 of the Europa League for the first time in their history.

He was previously in charge of Cypriot club AEK Larnaca, where he guided them to successive second-placed finishes.

The former striker - whose mother is Spanish - began his playing career at Barcelona after being signed by Johan Cruyff in 1991.

Ex-Spain international Christiansen most recently managed Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia

He appeared 11 times for Spain Under-21 and twice for the senior side, scoring during a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in 1993.

His best season came in the Bundesliga with Bochum when he was joint-top scorer with 21 goals in 2003. He retired in 2006 because of injury.

Leeds will be hoping the left-field appointment pays off in much the same manner as David Wagner's arrival at Huddersfield did last season.

Christiansen is said to be a student of the game and his presentation to Radrizzani was so thorough that the Italian emerged from the meeting and told colleagues, 'He's our man'.

Owner Andrea Radrizzani was blown away with the Danish-born coach after his interview

Leeds United managing director Angus Kinnear said on the club website: 'We are delighted to make this announcement today as it successfully concludes what has been a thorough and extensive search, following a huge level of interest from all over the football world.

'We wanted to appoint someone who can help us create a winning culture at the club and unite everyone connected with Leeds United, from the players to the supporters, ultimately taking the club back to where we all feel we belong.

'Thomas was someone who had been on our radar from the very early stages of the process and quickly established himself as the outstanding candidate.

'We are confident we have found a man with who can work with us to take the club to the next level.'