THE sheikh who is trying to ease Leeds United's financial crisis has denied he is about to take over the club.

Sheikh Abdul bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, of Bahrain, has described reports linking him with a takeover as "complete nonsense" and says the rumours have left him embarrassed.

A group of investors in the Gulf is understood to be showing interest and the Sheikh says he is trying to broker increased investment in the club from those parties.

Anyone attempting an imminent takeover would inherit Leeds' massive debts, and it would be far more appealing for predators to make their move should the club go into administration.

United's surprise 1-0 win at Charlton failed to lift them off the foot of the table, but it has acted as a huge confidence lift, with leaders Chelsea due at Elland Road next Saturday.

James Milner's goal fully justified the club's request for his omission from the England squad for the FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

Milner has been in excellent form since returning from a month's loan with Swindon at the start of October. His goal, the third of his career, was his first since he scored in successive matches against Sunderland and Chelsea last Christmas.

United's clean sheet at Charlton was their first since the goalless draw against Southampton at Elland Road on August 26.

Updated: 10:20 Monday, December 01, 2003