Leeds’ owners say they will contest a winding-up petition served by one of the club’s main sponsors and the man who is trying to buy the Elland Road outfit, as the messy takeover situation in West Yorkshire shows no signs of clearing up.

Leeds’ owners are understood to be poised to open talks with another consortium as Italian businessman Massimo Cellino’s takeover bid floundered.

Italian businessman Massimo Cellino’s bid to take control of Leeds appears to be in danger after it emerged yesterday that his legal representatives had been escorted from the club’s Elland Road premises.

Leeds manager Brian McDermott will report for duties as normal at the club’s training ground this morning despite appearing to have been sacked on Friday.