Relegation has immediately got the rumour-mill surrounding Leeds United in overdrive.

Even Radio 4's political heavyweight programme Today took time to predict the club will be in administration within a few days while another arm of the Corporation suggested the club is planning to enter the administrator's hands as quickly as possible so the inevitable points deduction comes off this season's total.

Monte Carlo-based chairman Ken Bates remained in Leeds after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Ipswich to consider his options but the only statement from the club came from chief executive Shaun Harvey, who said: "We need to make considered and structured decisions both on and off the field over the forthcoming weeks to position ourselves to use next season as a springboard to go forward from."

Many Leeds fans are hoping that new investors, even a new owner, will come forward to inject the capital needed to start the long climb back towards top flight football once again.

Harvey added: "There will be and has been a significant amount of speculation as to what the future holds for the club financially, particularly from would-be investors.

"This type of speculation is currently rife both at Leeds United and football in general but our message remains consistent in so much as anyone interested in becoming financially involved should contact us with full details of who they are and proof of funds to show they are able to assist us."

With many players set to leave when their contracts or loans run out in June and others like David Healy and Richard Cresswell likely to be snapped up by clubs above Division One, any change needs to happen quickly to ensure time is not lost before rebuilding.

Nothing could be worse for the future of Leeds than having to build a new squad just before kick-off, as Kevin Blackwell had to a few years ago.