Football: O'Neill may resign

MARTIN O'NEILL is believed to be on the brink of resigning as Leicester City manager to hasten his move to the Leeds United vacancy, writes Alan Nixon.

O'Neill is due to attend a board meeting today at Filbert Street where he will ask for permission to speak to Leeds. With his patience running out. O'Neill may walk out on the club if this is not granted.

Leeds have had one formal approach rejected and Leicester have steadfastly refused to let O'Neill leave, but the Irishman plans to bring the matter to a head in the next 24 hours.

O'Neill would prefer a smooth passage with adequate compensation paid to Leicester as he is likely to return to the club for at least one player. However, reports that Leicester would receive a lower "transfer" fee for their manager were he to leave after 31 October, due to a clause in his contract, were denied by the Irishman. "That is nonsense. There is no such clause," he said.