Morris planning to ambush Bates' Leeds bid

Former director Simon Morris is planning to ambush Ken Bates' hopes of retaining control of Leeds and usher in a new era of prosperity at Elland Road.

The 29-year-old property entrepreneur has launched a £10m (€14.7m) bid to buy the club and promised fans a "great future" if his dreams are realised.

Leeds went into administration with debts of £35m (€51.5m) last Friday following a winding-up order issued by the Inland Revenue, who are owed £5m (€7.35m) in unpaid taxes.

The business was, with the administrators' approval, almost immediately bought by a new company, Leeds United Football Club Limited, of which Bates is a listed director.

But the sale is subject to approval by the club's creditors at a meeting later this month and also by the Football League.

Morris, in turn, has proposed a new 50,000-seater stadium as part of a regeneration of the land around the club's current home and will finance a further £25m (€36.8) to bring much-needed financial stability to the Whites following their relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship.

SR Morris Group, who claim to be one of the fastest-growing property companies in the UK, say they plan to invest £400m (€588.7m) in the scheme.

"Our scheme would put Leeds where it belongs - at the top of the tree in the north of England for entertainment and urban regeneration," said Morris.

"They offer a great future for Leeds United and the club's fans, allowing us to put the troubles of the past behind it."

Meanwhile, defenders Hayden Foxe and Robbie Elliott have been told they will not be retained by the club next season, following striker Ian Moore out of the exit door.

Foxe arrived on a short-term deal last summer, which was extended for a further four months at the turn of the year.

Elliott made his debut in the 2-1 win against Coventry on New Year's Day and was offered a deal until the end of the season.