Football: MAC'S ALL SET TO JOIN LEEDS

STEVE McClaren is ready to walk out on Middlesbrough and take the manager's job at Leeds.

A failed attempt to take Martin O'Neill from Celtic to Elland Road has seen McClaren emerge as the new front-runner for the job.

An official approach from Leeds is expected this week after McClaren made it clear he was prepared to leave Boro less than 12 months after joining them from Manchester United.

Leeds wanted O'Neill and even considered waiting a year with a temporary man, possibly Terry Venables, in control - but that would have been a massive gamble with the Irishman more likely to move to Manchester United once his contract in Scotland expires next June. Boro are powerless to stop McClaren leaving because he has a pounds 1.2million get-out-clause in his contract, an agreed figure of compensation in the event of an approach from another top flight club.

The activity behind the scenes to install McClaren in the post as quickly as possible has been frantic and Leeds have been given assurances by both McClaren and his advisers that there will be no last-minute hitch to prevent him moving from the Riverside to Elland Road.

Last night Leeds admitted McClaren was on their shortlist but refused to elaborate

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