Leeds United have agreed a deal with Swindon allowing them to speak with manager Dennis Wise and his assistant Gus Poyet about their managerial vacancy.

Swindon had earlier announced they had withdrawn permission for talks as Leeds had failed to meet their demands.

But a Leeds statement said: "Leeds have now been granted permission to discuss personal terms with both Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet."

Leeds also announced that caretaker manager John Carver had left the club.

David Geddis, who has been assisting Carver since Kevin Blackwell was sacked, is expected to take charge of tonight's League Cup tie against Southend.

Meanwhile, Swindon have made Dave Tuttle, their acting head of youth and scouting director, as their caretaker manager.

The revelations suggest Wise's appointment is close and brings an end to a confusing day during which each club released conflicting statements concerning the negotiations for the former Chelsea midfielder and former team-mate Poyet.

The day began with a statement from Swindon that said they had reluctantly given Leeds permission to speak with Wise and Poyet, who are under contract until 2009.

But a later statement from the Wiltshire side said: "The club made clear they would only release Dennis and Gus from their contracts if suitable compensation was paid. Regrettably, it has proven impossible to agree compensation. The club has withdrawn permission for Leeds to talk with or seek to appoint Wise or Poyet."

Swindon also revealed they had offered Wise and Poyet improved terms if they stayed at the County Ground.

Wise and Poyet have clauses in their contracts allowing them to speak to interested Premiership or Championship clubs, providing Swindon receive the value of one year's salary for both men in compensation.

Ex-England midfielder Wise took charge at the County Ground in May, following Swindon's relegation to League Two, and they won their first six league games under him. They are now third in League Two, three points behind leaders Walsall.

Leeds have been without a manager since sacking Kevin Blackwell in September when Carver took charge on a caretaker basis.

Carver conceded his chances of landing the job permanently had probably ended with the recent 4-0 home defeat by Stoke. They were thrashed 5-1 by Luton on Saturday.

Wise has been continually linked with Leeds after spending many years as a player under United chairman Ken Bates at Chelsea.