Former Carlisle United star Zigor Aranalde has been hailed as a top training ground operator ahead of a likely move to Leeds United.

The ex-Blues left-back is expected to join new manager Javi Gracia at Elland Road.

Aranalde has assisted Gracia in previous roles at clubs including Watford, Valencia and Qatari outfit Al-Sadd and looks set to be his number two at Leeds.

Ex-Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster said former Carlisle promotion hero Aranalde is a coach players can lean on.

"He was top - an absolutely top man," said Foster on his podcast The Cycling GK.

"He was very good at integrating himself amongst the players and becoming a bit of a shoulder to cry on."

Gracia was this week confirmed as Leeds' new boss pending work permits.

He has agreed a "flexible" contract at Elland Road to replace Jesse Marsch at the Premier League strugglers.

News and Star: Aranalde, left, in action for United in the 2006/7 seasonAranalde, left, in action for United in the 2006/7 season (Image: PA)

Aranalde, 49, last coached in Qatar until last summer. He told the News & Star in December that he would love to return to work in England.

He said: “If there is one country to work and I would go always, it’s England. I enjoyed England as a player and a coach, and it is the best place to work in football in the whole world.”

The Basque former defender played for United from 2005-8 and was part of Paul Simpson's League Two title-winning side in the 2005/6 season.

The ex-Walsall favourite made 126 appearances and scored seven goals for the Blues under Simpson, Neil McDonald and John Ward.

Fellow coaches Juan Solla and Mikel Antia are also set to follow Gracia to Leeds, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post.