The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 6th January) - Middle East group to rival 49ers for control of LUFC
Good Morning. It's Friday 6th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Middle East group to rival 49ers for control of LUFC
The 49ers Enterprises face fresh competition from an unnamed third party, desperate to purchase Leeds Utd from under their noses. According to the Daily Mail, a group from the Middle East are in the early stages of putting together a package that could rival the York family's £400m agreement. Andrea Radrizzani recently returned from Qatar, and it has been suggested that he may have met up with this group to discuss a possible takeover.
Paraag Marathe has built up a trusting relationship with Andrea Radrizzani over the last couple of years, as they continue to increase their minority stakehold. Currently, they own 44% of the club, and if rumours are true, will exercise their right to complete the deal once Leeds are safe from relegation.
Whilst the Middle-East has many of the wealthiest people in the World, many are notoriously untrustworthy, as Leeds found out in 2013, when Dubai-based investment company GFH Capital bought them.
Leeds mulling over £15m for Hungarian left back
talkSPORT are insisting that Leeds are chasing Hungarian international defender Milos Kerkez. The 19yo left back has caught the eye of several top flight English clubs since joining AZ Alkmaar from AC Milan twelve months ago for £1.7m. Kerkez is versaitile. He can play left back, defensive midfield or left midfield
It has been suggested that the Dutch outfit would want at least £15m to part with their prised asset. Should Leeds proceed with the purchase, surely this would spell the end of Junior Firpo. The 26 year old has dropped down the pecking order at Elland Road since Marsch's arrival last February as well as being persistently injured.
Versatility is the key
Whilst Leeds continue to be linked with all and sundry, they all (for the most part) have one thing in common - their versatility. I know we can take many of the rumours with a pinch of salt, though more times than not, there's normally some truth in it. Interestingly Leeds seem to be concentrating their efforts on players who can operate in a variety of different positions.
Injuries have plagued Elland Road over the last 18 months, leaving team selection difficult, and gaps appearing all over the pitch. Perhaps the hierarchy plan on plugging the gaps with more experienced / better players, therefore making the overall squad stronger?