Yesterday night the Leeds United Supporters Trust broke the news that an offer had been made for Leeds United. In their statement, the Trust wrote: “As part of this ongoing work, we have spoken to two groups who are interested in buying Leeds United.” Since then, Leeds have released an official statement admitting that “talks are taking place regarding investment for the long-term future.”

The official statement caused some speculation that Leeds were only interested in minority-shareholder investors, but L.U.S.T. tweeted that the two groups they had spoken to were looking for a full takeover, while sources suggested there were potential buyers.

Initial information from L.U.S.T. indicated that at least two parties were interested and had contacted the Trust. Today BBC Look North claimed that there are three parties interested. One group, who are based in Chicago, visited Elland Road last week and are past the initial stages of negotiation. BBC reporter Tanya Arnold then tweeted in response to questions that a second group was Middle Eastern, (yes, that’s right!) and:

If this deal’s going to happen it’ll be soonish, not days, but not months either.

Phil Hay of the YEP responded via Twitter:

The other interested group I’m aware of have connections to both England and Dubai but they’re adamant they’re not ready to bid yet #lufc

With the rumour-mill in full frenzy, the potential for a rich Dubai-based takeover could threaten to destroy the servers of popular Leeds sites. Two groups have ruled themselves out: both MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment) and Club Sports 9 (a NC based group with ties to Chicago, who were interested in Glasgow Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday) have rejected suggestions that they are looking to buy the club.

 

Update: There’s been a rumour explode on Twitter that a Kuwaiti has bought Leeds. He has resigned from Qadsia SC, however he didn’t mention the team he had supposedly purchased, and Kuwaiti speculation at the moment has shifted from Leeds to Nottingham Forest. They all seem to love us though!