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Krasner ready for fresh talksRichard Sutcliffe
SEBASTIEN SAINSBURY'S £25m bid to take over Leeds United could move a step closer on Monday after club officials agreed to meet his legal team.
The 41-year-old great grandson of the founder of the supermarket chain revived his interest in taking charge at Elland Road early last week after securing fresh backing.
United chairman Gerald Krasner immediately ruled out possible talks, accusing Sainsbury of 'spoiling tactics', while stressing a possible investment of £9m by local businessman Norman Stubbs was the more likely option.
But last night Krasner told the Yorkshire Post: "A meeting is planned between our legal team and Mr Sainsbury's legal team early next week. We will then need time to digest what is said at that meeting so it is impossible to say what will happen after that.
"As a club, we do not deal in speculation and no further comment will be made until the contents of that meeting have been fully digested by the board."
Krasner insists talks are still on-going with the Stubbs consortium, who plan an investment rather than an outright takeover at Elland Road. United's debts stand at a little under £25m with a substantial tax bill, believed to be in the region of £1m, having to be paid next Tuesday.
Sainsbury delivered what he considers to be "irrefutable" proof of funds late last month, an official bank document stating £25m was available subject to contract.
Sainsbury was not available for comment but the Yorkshire Post understands United's legal team will sit down with his lawyers on Monday.
It is Sainsbury's second bid to buy Leeds after his initial attempt, backed by American company Nova Financial Partners, failed four weeks ago.
The Americans have since returned home and Sainsbury has this time secured European backing. The news Sainsbury's takeover could be back on comes as Kevin Blackwell and his side prepare for tonight's Championship trip to West Ham United.
It will be Sean Gregan's first appearance since being verbally abused by a small group of fans in the Elland Road car park an hour after last week's defeat at Leicester City.
The United midfielder, who was with his pregnant wife and 14-month-old son at the time, has this week been inundated with goodwill messages from fans with one even turning up at the training ground yesterday to hand over a bouquet of flowers.
Team-mate David Healy, who faces a fitness test on his groin tonight, also played with Gregan at Preston.
He said: "As footballers, we all know we have to take the rough with the smooth but the abuse of Sean and his family was out of order.
"I have known him for a long time. I know he is tough enough and strong enough to come through this. He is not a quitter and has broad shoulders.
"The fans may not appreciate what he does for the team but we do.
"Sean is never going to be one of those who waltzes past two or three opponents. Instead, he sits in front of the back four and gets through a lot of hard work."
On the trip to Upton Park, Healy added: "It might just suit us to play away because all the pressure is going to be on West Ham.
"They are a bit like us; having recently come out of the Premiership, they are a team everyone wants to beat at this level.
"It is a big game for us as we need to find some sort of consistency if we are to climb the table."
Clarke Carlisle will face a fitness test on his ankle but Brian Deane is fit to face his former club, despite picking up a knock against Leicester.
Kevin Blackwell: "I can understand the fans' frustration. It comes from what has happened at this club over the last three years. We have the responsibility to give them something to shout about."
Last time: November 10, 2002: West Ham United 3 Leeds United 4, Premiership.
Positions: West Ham 5th, Leeds 19th.
Key man: Neil Sullivan

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