After a quiet couple of days, there was momentous news today - which actually managed to produce the main headline on the morning news bulletins.

After months of speculation that a Media company was about to invest in Leeds Sporting plc, it was announced this morning that Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB are about to step in.

They have agreed to buy a 9.8% stake in the club. Paying 30p per share, the total cost of their investment is £13.8 million. In return, should the deal be accepted by the Leeds shareholders,one of the BSkyB shareholders would join the United board - and the company would act as our exclusive media agents for the next five years.

Peter Risdale immediately confirmed that all the money would go into O'Leary's transfer kitty, meaning that - with the money received from the Jimmy transfer still available - he now has over £25 million to spend on new players: not bad, considering the amount we spent over the Summer months. What was it that George Graham claimed about the Board's unwillingness to compete at the highest level of the transfer market? Ha! Ha!

Following a disappointing first half, which saw Leeds fall behind 1-0 to the home team, a battling second half display ensured a three point haul from White Hart Lane.

To read a full match report, click here.

Leeds were unexpectedly seeded for this afternoon's UEFA Cup draw, in Monaco. As a result, they avoided some of the big guns - Ajax amongst them - at the First Round stage. However, they still face a tricky looking tie against FK Partizan Belgrade of Yugoslavia.

The first leg is due to be played away on Thursday September 16th. However, due to possible problems in the area - air travel being one of them - this may have to take place at a neutral venue. The return leg will take place at Elland Road two weeks later.

Despite a few set-backs in terms of results so far this season, the progress which O'Leary has made over the last twelve months can partly be guaged by the number of international call ups for games next week.

Smith, Mills, Robinson, Bowyer and Bridges have already been selected for Howard Wilkinson's U21 squad and have now been joined by Martyn, Woodgate and Batty at full England level. Hopkin is in the Scotland squad, Kelly in for Ireland and Kewell for Australia. Add to this more U21 call ups for Maybury, McPhail and Bakke - and you have an impressive list. The only slight concern on the Leeds' managers mid will be that they stay injury-free for the Coventry game, a few days later.

In today's money obsessed climate, where contracts often don't appear to be worth the paper they're written on, it is refreshing to know that there are still one or two players around who know the meaning of the word loyalty.

Not only is Lucas Radebe the rock upon which our defence is built and an inspirational Captain - but also a man of his word. Following the weekend's revelations that Manchester United were looking to make a bid of £7 million to lure him away from Elland Road, Lucas today unambiguously pledged his future to the Whites.

Admitting that he was flattered to hear of Manchester United's apparent interest, he went on to say, "As far as I'm concerned, I'm a Leeds player and that's the way I want it to stay. I don't want to go anywhere else. That's why I signed a four year contract last season." He added, "I owe this club a great deal - they brought me over from South Africa and gave me the chance to make a very good living over here in England. I want to repay that by showing my loyalty in return, both to the club and to the fans at Elland Road."

A certain Dutchman, sunning himself in Madrid at the moment, could do very well to listen to his former Captain's words - and learn that there are some things that even money can't buy.

Following the immense disappointment of last night's televised game against Liverpool, it came as no surprise to hear that David O'Leary blasted his players after the match.

For the first time since O'Leary took charge, nearly a year ago, United were booed off the pitch at the final whistle - a result not so much of the defeat but the manner in which it was inflicted. Not only were Liverpool a vastly superior side for much of the game but for huge chunks of the second half, it looked like several of the players had lost the desire to fight.

O'Leary said, "We just didn't play from start to finish." He added, "Sometimes you can afford to have one or two players off-colour but not the whole team. If that happens, you don't deserve to win."

On the transfer front, Leeds have been strongly linked, over the weekend, with Celtic striker Mark Viduka. Indeed, the Australian has gone as far as telling the Sydney Morning Herald that he is on the verge of a move to Elland Road.

Whether this is true or not remains to be seen. However, although he fits the bill in terms of age and physical stature, his temperament looks a little brittle to say the least. He has now failed to settle at his last two clubs, which doesn't auger well - especially given the recent aggravation caused by Jimmy.

With Liverpool facing the prospect of having up to five first teamers out tonight, Houllier was today contemplating whether to give Michael Owen an earlier return to action than was originally planned. The likelihood however is that he might well start on the bench. The only selection dilemna for David O'Leary is which two forwards to pick from Bridges, Smith and Huckerby.

To see a preview and full match report of tonight's game, click here.

When you contemplate your worst nightmare, they don't come much bigger than the thought of Lucas Radebe striding majestically around the pitch....wearing a Manchester United kit! Yet, according to today's Sunday Mirror, should Alex Ferguson fail in a £15 million bid to lure Sol Campbell to Old Trafford, he will try to prise Radebe away from Elland Road. Elsewhere, I have seen the figure of £7 million mentioned. If this is the case, then it really must be 'silly season'. Anyone who has witnessed his performances in the opening four games of the campaign will know that he simply gets better and better and better! With this in mind, a move would surely be totally out of the question...but it still sends shivers down your spine, doesn't it?

A tough encounter at Elland Road this afternoon ended in a 2-1 victory to United, with second half goals coming from Lee Bowyer and Danny Mills. To read the full match report, click here.

At last, Leeds today received the full £12 million Hasselbaink transfer fee from Athletico Madrid, so ending one of the most depressing sagas of recent times. Now let's look firmly to the future.

The weekend ahead marks a busy time for us (both players and fans!) as we look forward to two tough home games in the space of just three days. Oh the joys of Sky TV!

At present, despite the ultimate disappointment of defeat last Saturday, there is still a feeling of confidence running throughout the camp. However, we all know how quickly things can change in Football and defeat tomorrow against Sunderland would certainly force us to reassess our hopes for the season ahead. Such is the thin dividing line between success and failure. To read a preview of tomorrow's game, click here now.

Then, on Monday night, we face the unpredictable Liverpool. Six points out of six would be a welcome bonus and would lift us near to the top of the Premiership table at this very early stage.

A little later than expected, Lee Bowyer today became the last of Leeds first team players to tie up his long term future. As a result, O'Leary can now look firmly to the season ahead with confidence - knowing that he has a committed squad at his disposal, as he aims to put some long awaited silverware in the Elland Road trophy cabinet.

Another surprise today was the signing of another central defender - not exactly a priority I would have thought. Still, after all the multi-million pound deals of late, it was refreshing to see a player arrive for just £200,000 - rising to £300,000 depending upon appearances.

The player in question goes by the name of Danny Hay - and, perhaps slightly surprisingly, becomes the first player from New Zealand to make his way to these shores. United have signed him from Australian club, Perth Glory, the player having recently been named Oceanic Player of the Year. At 24 years of age and standing at 6'4", he certainly has the right attributes for a centre half. However, to beat the likes of Radebe, Woodgate, Duberry, Hiden, Molenaar and the rest to a first team slot, he is going to need real determination. O'Leary, though, was delighted with his purchase. Although he admits Hay is not ready for the first team at present, he believes he can work on his game enough to make him a respected defender of the future.

Just when you thought the Jimmy transfer saga couldn't possibly have any more twists, another one comes along. A few days ago, we were all starting to feel a little uneasy that the whole transfer deal might come crumbling round our ears - along with the extremely unappetising possibility that the Dutchman might yet be forced to return to Elland Road. Now, though, not only has Peter Risdale been firmly promised that the money will reach Leeds by Friday - but instead of the expected £6 million, it now turns out that Athletico are going to pay the full £12 million in one installment.

Of course, the major bonus here is that we can now put the whole sorry mess behind us - and start looking for a suitable replacement.

When Mick McCarthy named his squad for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers today, there was one notable absentee from the lists: Ian Harte. what makes this particularly puzzling is that Ian was getting picked for Eire even before he was a regular in the Leeds team. However, now he is firmly cemented in the left back slot, and playing the best football of his young career so far, he is left on the sidelines. Very odd! Of course, this might make United fans recall Alfie Haaland's plight before last year's World Cup Finals. He too had been playing consistently well in the United side and had been a regular in the international line up , only to be inexplicably dropped for the final World cup squad. At least Hartey's disappointment might not be quite so intense. In fact, with three fixtures being played in close proximity, the player and David O'Leary might well be pleased to be kept fresh for the important Premiership games on the horizon.

With only five days remaining to the Spanish transfer deadline, Leeds are still awaiting payment from Athletico Madrid, regarding the Hasselbaink transfer. However, Peter Risdale, the Leeds Chairman, is confident that everything will still go through smoothly - especially since if the transfer broke down at this stage, it would be a major embarrassment to a club of Athletico's stature - especially since Jimmy has already been introduced to both Press and fans.

Leeds are awaiting an initial payment of £6 million. Of course, if this is not received by Friday, then the player's registration papers would remain with Leeds, who would then be faced with the prospect of having to find another buyer for the player.

Moving swiftly from a hero of the recent past to one of the future....Could you ask for a greater contrast between Hasselbaink and Radebe? Whereas the former will be forever remembered by United fans as the most greedy player in our History, the latter will surely go down in our record books as one of the all time great defenders. Clearly, unlike Hasselbaink, he is a man of his word. Therefore, it will come as no surprise to hear that he is standing by an earlier promise, made to Nelson Mandela no less, that he will captain South Africa against a World XI in Johannesburg this week. Then, he will dash back ready to play against Sunderland and Liverpool at the weekend.

Leeds have moved swiftly to counter rumours in today's Sunday tabloids that we are about to make a move for Teddy Sheringham. There is, I suppose, a certain logic at work here. For all his faults, Sheringham would offer the one commodity which we are lacking at present: namely experience. Also, he is the kind of player who works well alongside a fellow striker, holding the ball up well and linking neatly with others.

However, at 33 years of age, he clearly isn't the type of player David O'Leary is looking for. The United manager has stated on numerous occasions that he is very much looking to build a side that would be challenging for honours for years to come. Clearly, Sheringham wouldn't be part of that plan.

Despite dominating for much of the game, Leeds slumped to yet another defeat at Old Trafford this afternoon. Two late Dwight Yorke goals sealed our fate - yet things could have been very different had an earlier Kewell chance managed to sneak in instead of rebounding off the post. For a full report of this afternoon's game, click here.

After Leeds' stunning victory at Southampton on Wednesday night, the nation's eyes will be focussed on tomorrow's fixture at Old Trafford, to see whether all the hype surrounding O'Leary's young side is justified. Of course, should they manage to take all three points from our friends from across the Pennines, it will be for the first time in nearly two decades! Team news looks promising with only Alan Smith doubtful, following his injury during the second half of the opening home game, against Derby. And no doubt, Michael Bridges will be relishing the trip, following his heroics in midweek.

Elsewhere, there was both good and bad news today. Firstly, following David Hopkin's successful contractual negotiations earlier in the week, there is now only one other player who still has to pledge his future: Lee Bowyer. As with Hopkin, there have been no problems whatsoever and things are expected to be completed within the next 48 hours.

Not so positive, however, was news which emerged today that Leeds still haven't received a penny of the money promised to them by Athletico Madrid, regarding the Jimmy transfer. What is even more disturbing is that with the Spanish transfer deadline window due to close a week today, should no progress be made, then the despised Dutchman would have no alternative but to return to Elland Road. A nightmare scenario!

After the excitement of yesterday's transfer news, David O'Leary and the Leeds board were at pains today to point out to United supporters that Huckerby was in no way meant to be a direct replacement for the recently departed Jimmy. Risdale maintains that the full £12 million received from Athletico Madrid is still available to the Leeds manager should the right striker become available.

Meanwhile, in direct contrast to the Hasselbaink fiasco, negotiations on extending David Hopkin's present contract seem to have gone remarkably smoothly. The player, who has been transformed since O'Leary took charge, has signed a new 4 year contract, which should keep him at Elland Road until 2003.

With the nations eyes firmly on the skies this morning, United have swooped for Coventry's Darren Huckerby. No sooner were the tabloids starting to suggest that we might be about to make a bid for the former Newcastle United and Lincoln forward, than the player was on his way to Elland Road to complete a medical.

The exact price we've paid the Sky Blues for the player isn't exactly clear -but that seems to be the way with transfer negotiations today. As with the Duberry move over the close season, the overall price will be dependent on the number of appearances Darren makes. In other words, the more successful he is, the more we pay. However, the cost looks like being somewhere between £4 million to £5.5 million.

In lots of ways, Huckerby fits the bill exactly. At 23, he is in the right age bracket but, importantly, he has plenty of Premiership experience behind him. Even though he isn't seen as an out and out goalscorer, he did chip in with a very useful 12 goals during the last campaign - and few will forget the superb hat trick he scored against us at Elland Road a couple of seasons ago, in a 3-3 draw. If he can repeat a similar goal tally this time round, then I'm sure David O'Leary would be more than happy. However, his real use will be in helping to create goals for others. His pace and ability to make mazy runs in dangerous areas always make him a potential threat to defenders and should allow others to poach goals from the scraps he leaves. Hopefully, O'Leary will be trying to get him to achieve more consistency, week in and week out, than he showed at Coventry. That might be the only doubt about him: on his day he can be an absolute world beater but at other times he can be largely anonymous. However, this is the case with similar creative players (Just look at Ginola!) Overall, though, he represents an exciting and welcome signing.

Finally, in tonight's Premiership game at the Dell, United beat Southampton 3-0, with Michael Bridges scoring all three goals. For a full report of the game, click here.

After the endless transfer speculation that has surrounded Leeds since Jimmy's departure, a completely different - but equally interesting - story broke today.....and nothing to do with incoming or outgoing players.

It appears that Rupert Murdoch, and his BSkyB Empire, may be about to make a bid for a stake in Leeds Sporting plc. Following his unsuccessful bid to capture Manchester United, it looks like everyone's favourite Australian billionaire might be approaching things from a different angle. By buying a 9.95% stake in Leeds Sporting plc - which would work out at around £15 million - and a stake in at least another eight top Premiership clubs, he would then be able to have a major say in future negotiations on television rights, when the present Sky contract expires in 2002.

Of course, this isn't the first time that Media groups have taken an interest in United. Not so long ago it was rumoured that Granada - who recently bought a chunk of Liverpool FC - might be buying shares in our club. This might still prove to be the case. Watch this space for further developments!

Elsewhere, on the transfer front, there has been an immediate denial from Elland Road that David O'Leary is about to make a bid for former Leeds hero, Noel Whelan. Although clearly flattered by Whelan's desire to step on the Leeds bandwagon, a united spokesperson said, "We have made no approach for him."

The rumour-mill is now in complete overdrive! Following yesterday's extremely unlikely tabloid stories - that Leeds were about to make a £12 million bid for Robbie Fowler, it now appears that the stories are getting even more fanciful! United have now supposedly been linked with AC Milan's Oliver Bierhoff.

Certainly, he would offer the kind of experience we're looking for - but, at 31, perhaps just a little too much of it! The price might also be something of a stumbling block. He joined the Italian club just over a year ago for a whopping £9 million. Not bad for a 30 year old! Add to this the huge wages he would no doubt be demanding - and I think you've got the makings of a story which is very much a non-starter.

A more interesting sideline came today with Coventry's Noel Whelan supposedly suggesting he would love a return to his former club (I bet that'll please the Sky Blues fans!) However, as I've mentioned previously, despite the fact that he'd bring with him 100% commitment, I'm not sure he's yet the completed article - and the kind of fee that Coventry City would be asking for him is astronomical.

Several papers today have linked Leeds with Liverpool's Robbie Fowler - who is rated in the £12 million bracket. O'Leary is quoted as saying,"I am looking to spend the money we got for Jimmy in one sum if the right player is available. But because of the quality we want we may have to wait a while." He continues,"I am not going to spend £12 million for the sake of it but I think that waiting until next summer would be pushing it a bit."

Leeds' approach has, unsurprisingly, been rebuffed by the Merseyside giants. However, the feeling around Anfield is that Fowler's future is anything but secure - and that if Leeds are willing to show a little patience, they might well have a chance of getting their man, later in the season.

Other strikers who have been linked with us this weekend include Southampton's Egil Ostenstad and Everton's wantaway forward, Francis Jeffers. The former seems a much more likely proposition. In the £4 million bracket, he would be a useful stop-gap, and offer the kind of physical strength up front that we are clearly lacking at present. The latter is undoubtedly a real talent but is rather too similar in style to Smith and Bridges. What's more, for one so young he has shown arrogance beyond his years, in demanding a massive pay rise so close to the start of Everton's season. After Jimmy, is this really the kind of individual we ought to be looking at?

Leeds' new season begins with a disappointing - and extremely frustrating - 0-0 draw against Derby County, at Elland Road. You can read a full report of the game by clicking now on Match Reports.

Well...here we go! Just 24 hours to kick off and one of the most eagerly anticipated seasons in United's recent history. Apart from the interruption of last week's well documented events, the pre-season could hardly have gone much better - with Leeds remaining unbeaten and in free-scoring form.

Tomorrow, our illustrious past and exciting future will be juxtaposed, with the unveiling of a statue, prior to kick off, in memory of the great and much lamented Billy Bremner.

Then, it will be all eyes on the action - from 3.00pm - and, remember, you will be able to read my full match report tomorrow evening. If you click on Match Reports now, you will be able to read a preview of Saturday's match.

Two days to go to the big kick off - as United attempt to put behind them the distractions of the last week and look ahead to Saturday's game against Derby County and the season ahead.

Supporters will be hoping that Smith and Bridges can form an instant understanding - as that would take the pressure off O'Leary, in terms of finding an instant replacement for Hasselbaink. I don't see any reason why they can't form an exciting partnership although, in reality, it might take a while for them to tune into each other's wavelengths. Jimmy clearly offered more of a physical presence than Bridges but he was never an out and out target man (of the Brian Deane mould), with most of his best work being done on the ground. In this respect, I think Bridges can do a similar job. From what I've seen of him, he's got good pace, an eye for goal but, even more importantly, can hold up the ball well and bring others into play. You never know, he might even pass the ball a little more readily than his predecessor.

Of course, Mr Hasselbaink will now be on his way to Spain - and there won't be too many upset Leeds supporters. after everything that's happened over the last seven days, it's rather typical that the player and his agent, Humphrey Wijman, have tried to put the blame on Leeds. Unbelievably, the latter claimed, "it was never about money." He continued, "Jimmy was willing to stay and sign a new contract but during negotiations there were various things which occurred which turned the situation around."Jimmy added, "I never wanted to leave Leeds."

Do they really believe that these parting shots will persuade United's supporters to forgive a player who is clearly mercenary through and through? If so, they are sadly deluded. Despite all the great goals he's provided over two memorable seasons, like Yeboah before him, he will be primarily remembered for his petulance: as John Edwards pointed out in today's 'Daily Mail', "the unacceptable face of English football's foreign legion."

And who will replace him? Well, the list of possibilities seems endless. However, I think the main thing is for O'Leary to take his time - and not go spending 'silly' money. In any case, I just can't see many of the names on the list being replacements for Jimmy. Huckerby is deadly on his day but lacks consistency and isn't an out and out centre forward. Whelan, much loved by the Leeds faithful, would be welcomed back with open arms, but not at the laughable £12 million fee which has been placed on his head today. Even half that amount would, in my opinion, be excessive. Heskey is another one who appears to be on all the top clubs' wanted lists but why? The guy scored six goals last season, looked hopelessly out of his depth on his England debut , yet is valued at £10 million. The world's gone completely mad!

The only two players who would be excellent buys are Flo from Chelsea and Solskjaer from Man U, but whether either could be prized away from their clubs at this late stage appears highly unlikely.

Leeds are said to have accepted a £12 to £13 million bid for Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Clearly, fearing that a damaging confrontation was about to take place, the Leeds board have decided to offload a player, who was becoming a major irritant. He now only needs to pass a medical to make the switch complete. Good riddance!

The nightmare scenario, that the Jimmy saga might develop into a Van Hooijdonk/ Anelka situation, moved a step closer today - with Hasselbaink threatening strike action if the club don't allow him to get his own way and move to Athletico Madrid, his agent stating, "Jimmy might never kick another football for Leeds."

Clearly, O'Leary is depressed about the whole development, saying,"we feel a deal has already been done with Athletico Madrid," even thought the player is still under contract at Leeds for the next two seasons. The Leeds manager added, "we feel a stand has to be made, like Arsenal tried to do with Anelka. The problem is, though, that whilst most United fans would agree with the Boss on this point, the danger of confrontational action might well be that we end up with a player on our hands whose value is rapidly declining, day by day. Just look what happened with Van Hooijdonk. For Arsenal, their gamble paid off - but would we be so lucky?

On the replacement front, Leeds are reported to have made a £9 million bid for Emile Heskey (overpriced or what!?), but this has not been verified by club officials. Tore Andre Flo is another player who Leeds are reportedly targeting (a much better option, in my opinion!) However, upon hearing of United's rumoured interest, the Norwegian is quoted as saying, "I don't think there is much chance of that happening." He did say, though, that he was flattered by Leeds' attention.

O'Leary's dilemna is accentuated further by the fact that he feels Michael Bridges still isn't quite match fit for Saturday's sell-out opener against Derby County at Elland Road.

Although the situation with Jimmy has changed little over the last 24 hours, there does seem to be a growing feeling that the player may have left Elland Road by the time the Premiership season kicks off on Saturday.

He has made it clear to everyone at Elland Road that he sees his future elsewhere and seems totally unwilling to listen to any compromises. One suggestion was that he would agree to stay at the club for another twelve months, under the new improved terms, but with a new 'escape' clause inserted, stating that he would be allowed to leave at the end of the season, if Leeds had failed to win a trophy. It all smacks a little of desperation. In any case, I don't think the promise of trophies is really an issue with Hasselbaink. It's purely the size of his pay-cheque.

Of course, the Hasselbaink saga is even more disappointing, as it follows on from such a highly promising close season - and with just three days remaining to the big kick off, the timing could hardly be worse. In trying to find a replacement for him, no club is going to be listening for offers for their top strikers at this late stage - so we can expect plenty of rejections. Heskey and Flo seem to be the names on everyone's lips at present, but we'll have to wait and see as to whether these are anything but rumours, at this stage.

The rumours circulating yesterday, that Lazio had joined Athletico Madrid in the race for Jimmy's services, were dismissed today by Peter Risdale. Apparently, there has been no contact whatsoever between the two clubs.

Obviously, this is a far from ideal situation to be bothering ourselves with, as there are now only five days left to the start of the new campaign. Just who will lead the front line against Derby on Saturday? Surely, Mr. Risdale is being a little over-optimistic when he states, "I am hoping we can go into the game against Derby with Jimmy settled at this club at least for this season." Even if Hasselbaink underwent a complete transformation over the next few days, he has said far too much for the Leeds supporters to take him back to the fold. Surely, the best thing for everyone concerned would be for the player to move on elsewhere, as swiftly as possible but at the right price.

On a more upbeat note, our success last season is certainly increasing expectations this time round. In yesterday's 'Mail on Sunday', respected columnist Patrick Collins said we could go all the way and win the Premiership title. Let's hope he's right!