Leeds United's season could be shaped over the next few weeks - on and off the field.

Today they were waiting for proof of funding from the Anglo-American consortium which hopes to take over the club.

But proof already exists that Leeds are way off the pace to be Championship challengers.

Peerless Wigan Athletic swept them aside 2-0 at Elland Road yesterday, emphasising the lack of quality - particularly in the midfield area - of the home team.

The consortium, which includes Sebastian Sainsbury and American businessman Burl Sheppard, is adamant that it can complete a £24m takeover, with £5m set aside for manager Kevin Blackwell to spend on team strengthening and £2m for the present board members to share.

It is understood another consortium is waiting in the wings, but with club debts needing to be paid, time is of the essence.

The money can't come quick enough for Blackwell, whose side were well beaten by the best team seen at Elland Road this season.

The leaders, with their twin strikers of Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts proving a real handful, stretched their unbeaten start to the season to 16 games with a double strike immediately after-half time.

Matthew Kilgallon and Clarke Carlisle manfully stood up to the task in the heart of the Leeds defence but received little help from their team-mates in combatting Wigan's free-running midfielders.

The Lancastrians had been knocking on the door for much of the first half but their shooting radar was off beam.

Within a minute of the second half Alan Mahon launched a terrific drive in to Neil Sullivan's top right-hand corner and soon afterwards the impressive Jimmy Bullard ran through to double the lead after the Leeds defence had been blown apart by the strength of Roberts.

Last season had quality players but not enough effort. This season there's plenty of effort but not enough quality.

At least new striker David Healy offered some hope.

He was busy, possessed an assured touch and was able to set up chances for team-mates, notably Brian Deane, who spurned four late chances.

Blackwell has tipped Wigan to finish in the top two and said: "We lost it because of a bit of inexperience but I thought we showed a great response to going behind and I'm proud that we put up a good show."

His side need to bounce back after three successive defeats, starting with Wednesday's home game against Burnley.

Trips to Preston and high-flying Ipswich follow before QPR visit Elland Road on November 20. By that time the destiny of Leeds' season will be much clearer, but they are in urgent need of a win to avoid getting sucked in to another relegation dogfight.

Leeds United 0, Wigan 2

League Championship (at Elland Road)

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Carlisle, Kilgallon, Pugh, Richardson (Wright 58), Walton, Gregan, Simon Johnson (Lennon 85), Deane, Healy. Subs (not used): Carson, Ricketts. Cautions: Johnson, Gregan

Wigan: Filan, Wright, Jackson, Beckin, Baines, Graham (Flynn 72), Bullard, Mahon, McCulloch, Roberts, Ellington (Mitchell 86). Subs (not used): Walsh, McMillan, Whalley. Caution: McCulloch. Goals: Mahon 46, Bullard 52.

Referee: Mike Dean (Wirrall)

Attendance: 27,432

Updated: 09:47 Monday, November 01, 2004