Warnock - Takeover no excuse

Neil Warnock: Signed 10 new players for Leeds but still seen squad overhaul hampered by takeover talk

Leeds United manager Neil Warnock insists he will not be using the club's uncertain future as an excuse for failure this season.

Warnock's preparations have been hampered by the takeover talks which have been hanging over Elland Road all summer and he does not expect a quick conclusion to the saga.

Leeds ended a period of exclusivity last week with an unnamed consortium, believed to be based in the Middle East, after opening talks with the group in May.

Despite the uncertainty, Warnock has managed to sign 10 new players over the close season as he overhauled the squad inherited from predecessor Simon Grayson.

The 63-year-old boss, whose side host Wolves in their Championship opener on Saturday, still wants to make further additions before the end of the August transfer window.

Quality

"We've got 10 [new] players," Warnock said. "I know what people would like me to say, but I've got 10.

"I'd like another couple of quality players, especially after losing [Robert] Snodgrass, and I have to work at getting whatever I can in by whatever means. But rest assured whoever we play against will know they've been in a game.

"That's what I try and do and nothing's changed, whatever the financial situation is or whoever owns the football club.

"I accept anything that's happening at the moment. I'm hardened to it all. I imagine we'll be having this conversation around Christmas time about the takeover and then probably March and by the end of the season it might be sorted."

• Championship Promotion 12/13 Promotion: Leeds 50/1