£25m Takeover Deal 'Within 24 Hours'

Last updated : 28 October 2004 By Kevin Markey
The Yorkshire Post reports today that a £25m deal could be completed within 24 hours.

Chairman Gerald Krasner told Leeds' official website: "The position of the club remains the same, we are continuing to negotiate with various parties. As there is a board meeting later today, no statement will be issued at the present time."

The consortium has been negotiating with the board for two months and seem close to reaching an agreement with the investors ready to wipe off the club's debts and make money available to buy new players whilst £23m will be used to clear non-scheduled debts and loans.

A deal with Krasner and his colleagues could see them pocket £2m plus shares but lose control of the day-to-day running of the club.

The consortium is said to include Sebastian Sainsbury, great grandson of the founder of Sainsbury's supermarkets and leading officials of Nova Financial Partners are also thought to be involved.

It is also expected that the training ground, sold earlier this month, will be bought back and that Elland Road will no longer be up for sale.