Ridsdale expects O'Leary to accept the offer after Sunday's clash against Chelsea, but the former Republic of Ireland international - who has so far stalled over the offer - may still reject the position.

Speaking on Radio Five Live O'Leary stated: "I hope to become Leeds manager, but if I do not feel it is right then I will turn the job down."

O'Leary was formally offered the job on Thursday morning, following the fruitless attempts to lure Martin O'Neill from Filbert Street, but has stalled over accepting the manager's mantel, preferring to take time out to study the financial package on offer.

He will meet adviser Michael Kennedy and Ridsdale after Sunday's game, when the club hope to end a saga which has dragged on for nearly six weeks.

There is still a slight doubt over whether O'Leary will become Leeds' first Irish manager but - with no alternative candidate in the frame - he may be left with no choice.

Ridsdale said: "David is under contract to Leeds United and whatever happens today (Sunday), I would say he will be in charge for the foreseeable future.

"Leaving David in control as caretaker-manager even if he decides he doesn't want the job is an option, although not one that I would like to go down.