Manager Dennis Wise is hoping Leeds United are allowed to buy players before the transfer window closes on August 31.

At the moment Wise is prevented from spending until the Football League agree to allow Leeds their golden share'.

That won't happen until the League are satisfied with the process that saw Ken Bates regain control of the club last week.

Leeds are badly in need of new players after wholesale departures.

As well as players reaching the end of their contracts and loanees returning to their clubs, Kevin Nicholls, David Healy and Robbie Blake have been sold for sizeable sums.

However, the money from the sales is being withheld by the League until the golden share is granted to the Elland Road club.

Leeds' goalless draw against York City at KitKat Crescent on Friday night offered further confirmation that the squad needs strengthening if promotion back to the Championship is to be achieved at the first time of asking.

United have only 15 full time professionals and 22 players were used during the goalless friendly, including German-born goalkeeper Nick Hamann, a former Chelsea scholar.

Wise takes his squad to Germany on Tuesday for a three-match tour of friendlies and he will use the trip to take a further look at the many trialists who are hoping to gain contracts at Elland Road.

United face Union Berlin on Wednesday night, Dynamo Dresden on Saturday afternoon and FC Energie Cottbus next Monday night before returning home.