The YEP report that Adkins - likely to be prime candidate for the manager’s job at Elland Road if and when Neil Warnock steps aside - has yet to reach a settlement over his contract with Southampton, who sacked the 47-year-old last month.
Adkins, replaced by Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, far right, is effectively on gardening leave and unable to negotiate with potential employers until his pay-off is finalised.
The League Managers Association were contacted by the YEP but declined to comment. Adkins, left, was unavailable for comment.
United appear to be in the market for a new boss after Warnock admitted on Sunday he was willing to make way with promotion to the Premier League slowly slipping away and his contract ending in June.
