Bates in pole position to take over Leeds

English Championship: Ken Bates could make a sensational return to football within the next 12 hours as Leeds' potential saviour, although a three-way race has ensued to take over the cash-strapped club.

Leeds have been in negotiations with the former Chelsea chairman for the last few days, and, such has been the rapid progress made, Bates could be in situ by the end of today.

However, the United board also remain in discussions with the consortium led by Leeds-based property developer Norman Stubbs and a third group with whom chairman Gerald Krasner held talks earlier this week.

Bates was recently linked with Sebastien Sainsbury's failed £25 million takeover bid, only to deny any involvement with him. Bates has since made his own approach, and with other investors by his side the 73-year-old has seemingly come from nowhere to move into pole position.

Leeds spokesman Bryan Morris confirmed: "We are still talking to all consortiums and Mr Bates is one of those. No deal has been finalised, but as soon as negotiations have been concluded we will issue a further statement."

Sources have indicated Leeds may well be in the hands of new owners before the weekend, averting the fearful prospect of administration, and with it a 10-point Football League penalty that would plunge Kevin Blackwell's side into the relegation zone.

There is the suggestion, though, that one group is being played off against the other in order to push through a deal as quickly as possible. But Bates has made it known, since parting from Chelsea just over 10 months ago with a £17 million pay-off, he is eager to return to football.

Bates long courted Sheffield Wednesday, only to find his money was not welcome despite the club's debts spiralling to over £25 million.

But with Leeds still heavily in debt to the tune of £25 million, and with the board desperate to find a buyer or secure investment with administration looming, it has come to the point where they cannot afford to be choosy.

Meanwhile, Scott Carson is set to ease Rafael Benitez's goalkeeping problems by completing his move from Leeds to Liverpool today. The 19-year-old stopper had a medical yesterday and will become Benitez' third signing during the January transfer window, providing personal terms are agreed. Centre-back Mauricio Pellegrino and striker Fernando Morientes have arrived at Anfield to bolster the Reds' squad.

Injury-prone Chris Kirkland struggled for form before getting sidelined with a back strain after the defeat to Everton at Goodison Park. The 23-year-old is likely to miss the rest of the season. Jerzy Dudek has deputised but appears short of confidence, allowing Wayne Rooney's long-range effort to beat him at home to Manchester United last weekend.

Roman Abramovich's millions could not lure Carson to Chelsea, where he would have struggled to dislodge Petr Cech, who has been in fine form for the current league leaders.

An initial bid of £250,000 was turned down a fortnight ago but it is understood the offer was increased to £750,000, with add-ons taking the sum up to the £1 million mark.