Leeds United would have to spend a hefty sum to buy Nuno Espirito Santo out of his contract at Al-Ittihad Club.
The Elland Road club are considering hiring the ex-Wolves and Tottenham manager to replace the sacked Jesse Marsch.
However, The Times claims they would have to pay £5.3 million to break Nuno out of his present contract.
He has even interviewed for the job, but has not been offered the role as yet.
Caretaker boss Michael Skubala is the bookies' favorite to retain the job until the end of the season.
Meanwhile, ex-Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard and Nuno are the next favorites at 4/1 with bookies.