The defender, who recently spent five weeks on loan with Kevin Blackwell's side, has emerged as prime candidate to fill the vacant right-back role which has existed at Elland Road ever since Jason Crowe underwent surgery during the closing stages of the season.

Blackwell, the manager charged with rebuilding a United squad ravaged by injuries and unforseen departures, will not be surprised to learn of his former club's interest. Indeed, sparring between the region's two footballing heavyweights, has long since threatened to become the most brutal bout of this summer's transfer market.

Nick Montgomery, whose contract at United is poised to expire, continues to be courted by both Blackwell and his counterpart Simon Grayson while Daniel Bogdanovic, the Malta international, interested Leeds before signing on the dotted line in S2. And then there is the small matter of Billy Sharp; a striker some United directors believe could yet be persuaded to stay with Blackwell's side but who seems destined to join either Doncaster Rovers or make the 35 mile journey up the M1.

Connolly, declared surplus to requirements at Pride Park, is simply the latest installment in an increasingly predictable saga. Although neither set of supporters would care to admit it, the similarities between United and Leeds meant such conflicts were inevitable.

Both will start the new campaign billed as contenders. Both enjoy - and endure - the weight of expectation placed upon their shoulders by large and vociferous crowds. And both, perhaps most importantly, must tread carefully when it comes to budgets.

Which meant that when Blackwell and Grayson compiled their lists of possible targets, the same names were bound to keep cropping up.

Players not only with the technical ability to prosper in the upper echelons of the division but also with the strength of character to perform in such demanding surroundings.

Having seen Chris Morgan, who attracted admiring glances from Grayson earlier this year, pen a new contract, United will land another blow on Grayson when Bogdanovic is officially unveiled as a United player before the weekend.

But while Leeds strive to equip themselves for demands of Championship competition after three seasons in League One, the task Blackwell faces is considerably more challenging. Grayson is simply looking to sprinkle a veneer of quality across some already established options.