Leeds dismiss takeover talk

Leeds have dismissed hopes of an imminent takeover to end their financial problems as “pure speculation”.

The Elland Road club are £78m (€112m) in debt and warned last week they are on the brink of administration.

But fans’ hopes were lifted over the weekend when Sheikh Abdul bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa of Bahrain admitted he was trying to broker a deal which would see a consortium of Middle Eastern businessmen take over the club.

He claimed a “positive outcome” was likely in the next week or so, something Leeds United plc today dismissed.

Their statement to the Stock Exchange read: “The board of Leeds United plc notes recent press reports about a potential bid for the company.

“The board wishes to make it clear that it has received no bid approach from any party and therefore regards the reports as pure speculation.”