Championship leaders Leeds United have reported annual pre-tax losses of £ 21.4 million for the year ended June 2019.

The account covers the 2018-19 season, where Leeds barely promoted to the Premier League.

The club made an operating loss of more than £ 36 million, although player sales resulted in more than £ 15 million.

Turnover rose from £ 40.7 million to £ 48.9 million over the previous financial year, while total club wage bills rose from £ 31.3 million to £ 46.1 million.

Previous collection of Leeds accounts for 2017-18 showed an annual loss of £ 4.3 million.

It was also revealed in documents submitted at Companies House that Leeds might have to pay a bonus of nearly £ 20 million for players and management staff if they were promoted to the Premier League this season.

After finishing third in the Championship last season and then losing their play-off semifinals to Derby County, Marcelo Bielsa’s team was once again challenged for promotion in 2019-20.

They are top of the standings with nine matches left to play when the campaign is stopped due to the coronavirus pandemic.