I have noticed my ford mondeo 1.8 zetec has been loosing power and the rev counter exceeds its normal place in each particular gear. However the gears go in with no problem. I have been told it is the clutch. Could this not be a case of needing new leads.
Try going up a hill, you will find the engine will be at high revs and little forward motion, and a bit of a smell coming from the bell housing maybe a bit of smoke.
100% clutch