Group closer to buy-out of Leeds

A YORKSHIRE-BASED consortium have moved a step closer towards securing a £20m buy-out of cash-strapped Leeds.

The group yesterday held further detailed negotiations with chairman Trevor Birch and finance director Neil Robson, with both parties outlining what they require from each other if a deal is to be brokered.

Discussions are to continue throughout the week, although it remains to be seen whether they can be concluded by 5pm on Friday, the latest extension deadline to the "standstill agreement" imposed by the club's principal creditors.