First it was Danny Pugh, then it was Michael Tonge now could Cameron Jerome complete a Stoke treble of sorts as Sky Sports report Leeds have edged into pole position to sign him and other sources report talks are ongoing this afternoon.

Jerome looked set to sign for Blackburn last week, however the Lancashire giants were unable to agree a suitable deal whereby they would only have to pay a percentage of his £25,000 a week wages. It is understood Stoke expected Blackburn's Indian owners to pay the full lot, after all they aren't short of a bob or two having splashed out £8m on Jordan Rhodes.

I cannot see Papa Smurf sanctioning even a seven-week deal from his retirement fund for Jerome at £25k a week eg £175,000 to bring him here until January, so unless GFH are prepared to chip in a few more quid I doubt anything will happen which is a shame because Jerome would be a class act for any Championship side and if he doesnt come to us apparently Wolves are another option, the Black Country side having taken former Leeds player Jermaine Pennant on loan from Stoke.

As ever, it all seems to hinge on the word "takeover" and following another week of rumours and speculation, the Leeds United Supporters Trust have called for clarity as one bit of gossip suggests that Ken Bates could work in partnership with GFH!

A statement from LUST said: "We have put these scenarios to our own contacts on both sides of the deal, and we have been told that, while the timeframe of this weekend seems unlikely, there is a chance that Mr Bates will stay on as a partner with Gulf Finance House Capital

"This would represent a complete turnaround from when we were told by GFHC's representative on October 8 - that 'they intend this deal to be a full takeover of Leeds United. Ken Bates will leave the club and David Haigh will take control'.

BBC Radio Five Live's Ian Dennis, a one-time Radio Leeds commentator who has since been bestowed the title of Five Live's Senior Football Correspondent claimed on Thursday lunchtime completion of the deal was just "days away" which led to speculation that GFH would own the club in time for the visit of Watford.

That however always seemed unlikely. What is however certain is that Leeds will not improve on the 15th position we current lie in until this off-field mess reaches a satisfactory conclusion.

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