LEEDS United have appointed former Villarreal assistant Carlos Corberan as the club’s new under-23s coach of the Whites Academy.

The 34-year-old Spaniard – who replaces Jason Blunt – joins Leeds after leaving his role as coach of Cypriot First Division side Ermis whom Corberan guided to a ninth-placed finish last season.

United were left without an under-23s coach when Blunt quit the club in June after a difficult campaign last term.

Blunt went on to join Penzance side Mousehole AFC and United have looked to the Cypriot leagues to find his replacement.

The appointment has been made by Leeds United’s board nember Ivan Bravo, technical director Victor Orta and academy manager Adam Underwood.

Corberan spent six seasons as assistant coach at Villarreal from 2006 onwards, helping the team reach the qualifying phase of the UEFA Champions League and to a Europa League semi final in 2010-11.

Corberan’s time at Villarreal was followed by stints in Saudi Arabia as assistant coach with Al Nassr and also Al Ittihad.

The Spaniard holds a degree in physical education and sport science and is undertaking a doctorate in football where he specialises in high performance in football.