The YEP revealed in April how Leeds City Council wanted to add two new plots to the 30 acres it already owns around Elland Road.

Now the local authority seems poised to get its hands on one of those plots – a privately-owned, seven-acre disused site between the ground's Revie Stand and the M621.

Members of the council's executive board gave officers the green light to try to conclude a deal after being informed that an "opportunity" to acquire the land had arisen.

It was not clear today whether the authority was looking to make a straight purchase or might enter into a partnership agreement with the land's current owners.

Asked about the likely terms of any deal, deputy council leader Coun Andrew Carter would only say he hoped matters would move forward in the "easiest and most beneficial" way.

The proposed Elland Road leisure quarter could include a concert arena, casino, hotels, restaurants, health club and shops.

Council chiefs believe their plans will be easier to pursue if they have control of all the land around the ground.

The other plot on their wish list earlier this year was the West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive-owned bus terminus off Lowfields Road.

Elland Road itself was bought from United in 2004 by Manchester businessman Jacob Adler on a sale-and-leaseback basis.

Leeds chairman Ken Bates has said, however, that he intends to buy the ground back "in the fullness of time".

He recently unveiled plans for a redevelopment of the stadium which would tie in with the council's leisure quarter vision.

Most of the land owned by the local authority at Elland Road is currently used for matchday parking.