Leeds have failed to buy back their training ground complex after being unable to reach agreement with Leeds City council. United had until 11:59pm on Thursday night to exercise their option to acquire Thorp Arch from Barnaway Limited and had been working closely with Leeds City Council who were to make the purchase before leasing the facility back to the club.

But the two parties were unable to strike a deal, with Leeds saying in a statement: "The council were not able to provide the club with an unconditional letter of commitment to purchase Thorp Arch and then lease it back to the club.

"This meant if the club was to have exercised the option the club would have been at risk of completing the transaction in 28 days' time without the guarantee of funding. That was a £6million risk the club was not prepared to make."

The club will now continue to lease the Wetherby-based complex off the Barnaway Group for the next 20 years.

Councillor Andrew Walker "regretted" a deal could not be agreed and the two parties "did not have the time" to make it happen.