Adkins was sacked by Southampton last month despite a good run of form

"But he fancies the task of trying to recapture Leeds United’s glory days..."

Warnock’s side face Premier League champions Manchester City in this afternoon’s FA Cup fifth-round clash at the Etihad Stadium with his future shrouded in doubt.

Angry Leeds fans, who have seen a push to claim a Championship promotion play-off place fizzle out, called for Warnock’s head during Tuesday night’s defeat at Middlesbrough.

Club owner Dubai-based private equity group GFH Capital has now made moves to bring in a new man.

It’s believed they have sounded out Adkins, who was dumped by Saints despite taking the club from football’s third tier into the Premier League.

Adkins turned down the opportunity of an immediate return to management with Championship side Huddersfield Town.

But he fancies the task of trying to recapture Leeds United’s glory days – ideally in the summer but possibly sooner if Warnock is dismissed.

To add to the uncertainty, despite having only assumed control of the club in December, GFH Capital has itself been the subject of a new proposed takeover.