Poll: Leeds are looking to Reading once again

The 46-year-old has been installed as the favourite by bookmakers ahead of former Watford coach Dave Hockaday and ex-Whites chief Gary McAllister, with United owner Massimo Cellino working towards a conclusion to his search for a British head coach.

Cellino, in Italy yesterday seeking to finalise the sale of Cagliari, is understood to have held talks with three domestic candidates having expressed his desire to appoint a British coach.

He is believed to have been impressed by the work that Dolan has done at Reading, whose Under-21s lifted the Premier League Cup last season and reached the last four of the FA Youth Cup.

Dolan’s brother Pat is the agent and close friend of former United boss Brian McDermott, who parted company with the club on May 30 with United revealing their desire to implement a new coaching structure at Elland Road.

Reading are refusing to comment regarding the situation surrounding Dolan, who is under contract at the Madejski Stadium.

Meanwhile, the winding-up petition hanging over United will be heard at the High Court in London today after a preliminary hearing was adjourned yesterday.

Guernsey-based firm Sports Capital brought the case against the club in April over an outstanding debt of around £950,000.

The case relates to a disputed loan made to the club last November by Sports Capital, which has links to former Leeds managing director David Haigh.

Haigh is currently under arrest in Dubai following allegations – which he denies – of financial irregularities while working for Gulf Finance House.