The move will ensure that all non-football staff at the club will continue to be paid during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

All football in England has been postponed until April 30 at the earliest, with nine games remaining of the Championship schedule and Marcelo Bielsa’s men closing in on a return to the Premier League.

Leeds revealed that “the lack of fixtures, cancellation of events, impact on ancillary revenue and closure of the football financing market will cost the club several million pounds each month.”

However, following discussions between chief executive Angus Kinnear, director of football Victor Orta and several senior players, the decision was made by the squad to defer part of their own salaries.

The Whites currently have 272 members of full-time staff alongside casual staff and they will keep receiving pay over the coming months.

In a statement released by the club, the Leeds squad said: “Leeds United is a family, this is the culture that has been created by everyone at the club, from the players and the board to the staff and the supporters in the stands.

“We face uncertain times and therefore it is important that we all work together to find a way that the club can push through this period and end the season in the way we all hope we can.

“In the meantime, let’s work as one to listen to the government advice and the health service and beat this virus.”

Orta added: “My players have demonstrated an incredible sense of unity and togetherness and I am proud of their actions.

“To Marcelo and his staff and all of the players, we thank them for putting our wider team first and taking care of family. Now we must focus on public health, and when the people are safe, finish what we started. Vamos carajo.”

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