Ken Bates could make a sensational return to football within the next 24 hours as Leeds’ potential saviour, although a three-way race has ensued to take over the cash-strapped club.

Barclays led the FTSE 100 Index back towards the 4600 barrier today as investors warmed to news that it was seeking to expand in Africa.

Downward pressure from computer giant Hewlett-Packard and soaring oil prices failed to have a major impact on the London market today.

BRITISH Customs and Excise investigators last night welcomed the jailing of two businessmen who masterminded a £38m VAT fraud

Customs officers in Co Leitrim today seized a tanker containing around 35,000 litres of heating fuel smuggled across the border from the North.