Leeds United Football Club - Interest Hots Up
Speculation is growing that United could still be at the centre of a bidding war as potential suitors wait in the wings ahead of Friday's new deadline.
Chief executive Trevor Birch on Monday managed to gain more time from the club's major creditors to continue talks with an un-named consortium, who have requested that their identity remain undisclosed, interested in taking control.
Former plc vice-chairman Allan Leighton is reported to remain interested and the name of Sheikh Al Khalifa refuses to go away.
Former Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond has already denied his interest in United, but his name continues to be linked with a move for the club.
Meanwhile, amidst all the growing speculation of who is, and who isn't, involved in the "mystery" consortium, one of four local businessmen has broken cover to confirm there is a strong interest in taking over the club.
Spokesman for the group, Gerald Krasner, an insolvency and corporate restructuring expert with Leeds-based Bartfields Chartered Accountants, and a Whties fan for almost 30 years, told PA Sport:
"I can confirm there's a consortium that I have been asked to represent, but we've signed all sorts of confidentiality agreements.
"However, I can state we are in serious negotiations with both the club and the bondholders which will be ongoing throughout the day.
"Our objective is to avoid administration at all costs. I don't think the public realise just what administration would mean for Leeds United."
United need to find a sum near £5m before Friday evening's deadline to convince the creditors they can continue to operate until the end of the season, or face the prospect of being put into administration.
Speculation is growing that United could still be at the centre of a bidding war as potential suitors wait in the wings ahead of Friday's new deadline.
Chief executive Trevor Birch on Monday managed to gain more time from the club's major creditors to continue talks with an un-named consortium, who have requested that their identity remain undisclosed, interested in taking control.
Former plc vice-chairman Allan Leighton is reported to remain interested and the name of Sheikh Al Khalifa refuses to go away.
Former Bradford City chairman Geoffrey Richmond has already denied his interest in United, but his name continues to be linked with a move for the club.
Meanwhile, amidst all the growing speculation of who is, and who isn't, involved in the "mystery" consortium, one of four local businessmen has broken cover to confirm there is a strong interest in taking over the club.
Spokesman for the group, Gerald Krasner, an insolvency and corporate restructuring expert with Leeds-based Bartfields Chartered Accountants, and a Whties fan for almost 30 years, told PA Sport:
"I can confirm there's a consortium that I have been asked to represent, but we've signed all sorts of confidentiality agreements.
"However, I can state we are in serious negotiations with both the club and the bondholders which will be ongoing throughout the day.
"Our objective is to avoid administration at all costs. I don't think the public realise just what administration would mean for Leeds United."
United need to find a sum near £5m before Friday evening's deadline to convince the creditors they can continue to operate until the end of the season, or face the prospect of being put into administration.
