MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

Ken Bates, the irascible, outspoken former Chelsea chairman, wants to make one final foray into big-time football by investing £10m to buy a majority share in Leeds United.

In a move that is likely to stun Leeds supporters and arouse curiosity much further afield, Bates, 73, is understood to have offered the money to become part of a takeover at Elland Road being attempted by Sebastien Sainsbury.

Sainsbury is the only remaining bidder still involved in talks with the Leeds board, who have been looking to sell or find new investors for the past six months. Although a deal is still some way from completion, talks between Sainsbury and the Leeds chairman, Gerald Krasner, are ongoing about a £25m buy-out. The next round of talks is scheduled for tomorrow.

Bates could not be reached for comment last night. Sainsbury declined to discuss any of his business partners or potential partners. "I've got no comment to make about this at all," he added. "I'm just trying to concentrate on the important task of taking my plans forward."