City have now switched their attentions to QPR boss Ian Holloway, and it's understood that he was given permission to speak to them by his board before Saturday's defeat at Elland Road.
Holloway, who gave no indication that he was on the verge of leaving Rangers after Saturday's 2-0 loss, was today put on 'gardening' leave by QPR and is now the leading favourite to take up the vacant post at the Walkers Stadium.
Blackwell has just four months remaining on his current contract and Leeds have yet to open negotiations with him about a new one. That may lead to the club having to fend off further enquiries from managerless Derby and, if Holloway does join Leicester, from QPR.