Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell has appointed Sam Ellis as his number two at Elland Road.

Ellis has spent the last six years as Stan Ternent's assistant at Burnley, only for the duo to be ousted at the end of last season after the Clarets' narrowly avoided relegation to the Second Division.

But after failing to land former Walsall manager Colin Lee, Blackwell has now turned to Ellis, who has previously managed Blackpool, Bury and Lincoln during his career.

Blackwell said: "I have known Sam for a long time and even played for him when I was a teenager.

"He is well respected in the game because he has been working in the First Division for a number of years and has been instrumental in Burnley's rise through the leagues.

"He knows what is needed at both ends of the table, has good contacts and a great deal of knowledge and understanding of what is required.

"I am delighted to have been able to bring him in and I am looking forward to working with him."

Blackwell, meanwhile, is maintaining his relentless pursuit of a number of transfer targets, with Port Vale striker Steve McPhee the latest name on a growing list.

Fulham striker Barry Hayles, Wolves defender Paul Butler, Manchester City defender Danny Tiatto, Everton goalkeeper Paul Gerrard, Coventry forward Julian Joachim and midfielder Chris Bart-Williams are all high on Blackwell's list of priorities.

McPhee, who scored 27 goals for the Valiants last season, is another as he is out of contract this summer, but as he is only 23 in two days' time it means Second Division Vale are entitled to a fee, but only from a British club.

Leeds are understood to have made what they consider to be a sensible and realistic offer for McPhee, who has already held talks over a possible move to Portuguese First Division side Beira Mar, but who is apparently keen to move to Elland Road.

However, Vale are unhappy with Leeds' bid, but know they could lose McPhee for nothing if he opts for Beira Mar, now managed by Mick Wadsworth.

The only other avenue is a tribunal, but Leeds may be reluctant to head down that road given the parlous state of their finances and they would be commiting themselves to an unknown sum.

The club have at least received welcome news in that they have so far raked in more than £4million from the sale of over 12,000 season tickets.

With the renewal deadline passing this week, the Whites are expected to eventually sell between 17,000 to 18,000 - just 4,000 short of last season's figure when the club were in the Premiership - bringing in a much-needed £6million overall to help ease debts.

Leeds are to rekindle memories of their recent glorious European past after arranging a prestigious pre-season friendly against Spanish champions and UEFA Cup holders Valencia.

The game could represent an immediate return to England for Claudio Ranieri should he be appointed Valencia's new head coach following his recent sacking as Chelsea manager.

However, the match is an indicator of just how far Leeds have fallen in the last few seasons for it is just over three years ago United played Valencia in a semi-final of the Champions League.

While Valencia have won La Liga twice in the last three seasons, Leeds will be playing their football in the First Division from August following last month's relegation from the Premier League.

But the match still represents a coup for Leeds as chairman Gerald Krasner confirmed: "The name of Valencia would figure high on anybody's list.

"But Leeds are still highly respected too, and this is a really good game at home to whet people's appetites for the new season.

"It's the first pre-season game at Elland Road for many years, and we believe it is right to start a new tradition of having at least one high-profile, glamorous friendly each season at home.

"What better way to start off than with a game against our Champions League semi-final opponents of three years ago. It should be fantastic."