The Northern Ireland international striker, who has one year left on his contract at Cardiff City, started his career at Elland Road and was on the books as a trainee from 1998 to 2001 – without ever actually playing a first-team game.

But it looks like being a case of second time lucky for the Belfast-born ace, who is expected to hold talks with boss Simon Grayson early this week over the prospect of a permanent move.

If all goes well the 28-year-old – well known to Whites' number two and Northern Ireland assistant boss Glynn Snodin – is expected to undergo a medical before the Whites' return to pre-season training on Thursday.

League One rivals Huddersfield Town, Norwich City and Charlton Athletic have also been linked with the nippy frontman.

But the lure of a return to his first club is expected to tip the scales in United's favour.

Feeney, a close friend of Harry Kewell during his time at Leeds – the pair were best man at each other's weddings – said: "Leeds are still a massive club and I'm excited.

"I'm just going for talks and there is still plenty of things to discuss. A medical hasn't even been suggested.

"Cardiff have given permission for another club to sign me, so we'll see what happens."

Feeney notched six goals in 23 appearances during a season-long loan spell at SPL outfit Dundee United last season, but the Terrors are not thought to be in a position to press ahead for a full-time move, especially after the collapse of Setanta.

Feeney, capped 31 times by his country, has scored five times, including the only goal of the game in a 1-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Slovenia in April.

Meanwhile, newly-promoted Premiership outfit Burnley are the latest club to be linked with a move for transfer-listed United striker Jermaine Beckford.