LEEDS United's board are under increasing pressure to sell keeper Scott Carson after Liverpool learned Chris Kirkland needs a back operation.

The Anfield keeper will be out for at least three months and Liverpool, who were already expressing interest in Carson, are likely to push for a quick answer.

Leeds were hoping to negotiate a new contract with Carson but with financial deadlines looming and the proposed takeover apparently no nearer, the pressure will be on to raise more money and the England Under-21 keeper, along with Aaron Lennon and Matthew Kilgallon are the nost obviously marketable players.

Significantly, Carson was pulled out of the reserve team to play Middlesbrough last night, even though he hasn't had much match practice in recent weeks.

William Coyles took his place and despite making four outstanding saves, was on the wrong end of a 5-0 defeat - a match watched by York City caretaker-manager Viv Busby.

A very inexperienced Leeds side were torn apart by a Middlesbrough team that included England defender Ugo Ehiogu and four other first team players.

From the moment a clearance rebounded back off Martin Woods into his own net, Leeds were always struggling. Danny Graham added two more in the first half and Malcolm Chirstie and Stuart Parnaby wrapped things up before Leeds had sub Ian Morris sent off in the dying minutes for throwing a punch.

Leeds striker Simon Johnson has extended his stay at Doncaster Rovers by another month after scoring twice in seven games - both goals coming against MK Dons - for the League Two side.

Updated: 11:13 Thursday, January 06, 2005