Dave Bassett is set to become Leicester's manager before Saturday's game at Chelsea, and it was probably as well that he was not here last night. His team-in-waiting performed so abjectly he might have had a change of mind, and supporters were less than flattering about his imminent appointment.

While Leeds were ripping Leicester to shreds with the help of a Robbie Keane hat-trick, Bassett was at nearby Coventry watching Chelsea. Impressive as Leeds were in their skill, speed and incisiveness, there is no question Bassett has a formidable task to keep this squad up.

Leeds were 2-0 ahead inside 16 minutes, with Ian Harte's deadball skills to the fore. An unnecessarily elaborate flick by Muzzy Izzet culminated in the corner from which Keane scored his first, heading in after Eirik Bakke flicked on Harte's corner. Within four minutes the Irishman scored at the second attempt after Harte's free-kick had fallen into his path.

Bakke delivered a third in the 40th minute, finishing from Keane's flick, and Keane did not have to wait long after the interval for his third. Harte's corner and Bakke's header again played a part, and Keane shot in after Mark Viduka's shot had been blocked by Ian Walker's legs.

Viduka then chipped a fantastic shot in off the bar from the edge of the area and when Harry Kewell capitalised on an error by Frank Sinclair to score number six, Leicester's chairman John Elsom must have worried that Bassett would have a change of heart.

LEICESTER: Walker, Rowett, Sinclair, Elliott, Savage, Matthew Piper, Wise (Impey 62), Jones, Izzet, Scowcroft, Sturridge (Davidson 45). Subs Not Used: Royce, Gunnlaugsson, Benjamin. Booked: Savage.

LEEDS UTD: Martyn, Mills, Woodgate, Ferdinand (Duberry 69), Harte, Bowyer, Bakke (McPhail 60), Dacourt, Kewell, Keane (Smith 57), Viduka. Subs Not Used: Kelly, Robinson. Booked: Dacourt, Duberry.

Referee: G Poll (Tring).