Leeds have decided to apply for next season's Intertoto Cup competition as they look for an alternative route into Europe.
Boss Terry Venables's side are among a number of top-flight clubs who have already informed the Football Association they would be willing to participate in the much-maligned tournament should they qualify.
The Football Association will confirm on Friday the names of those who have put themselves forward, as well as confirming to UEFA how many places they would like to be made available to Premiership clubs.
English football's governing body can request a maximum of three, although a third place is only granted if any vacancies occur.
With two places generally available, one team would enter at the second round stage and the other in the third round, which could mean Leeds starting next season as early as the fifth or sixth of July.
It means the threat of playing in the Intertoto Cup is an incentive for the Leeds players to win this season's FA Cup final, and so guaranteeing automatic entry into next season's UEFA Cup rather than via the backdoor.
ButLeeds are struggling to fulfil a UEFA criteria that stipulates clubs must finish 12th or higher in the Premiership to qualify, with Venables's side languishing in 14th place.
Last season, the FA managed to circumvent such a rule by asking for - and receiving - an exemption, which was to Fulham's benefit as they finished 13th.