£100m Chinese bid in the works for Leeds United

A CHINESE consortium, advised by a Harrogate-born businessman, has been linked to a takeover bid for Leeds United.

The club, based at Elland Road, has been under the ownership of Massimo Cellino since April 2014.

Steve Tappin chief executive and founder of consultancy business Xinfu is said to be behind the deal, which could be worth a potential £100m.

In an article in Friday’s Chinese newspaper China Daily, Tappin is reported as saying: “I have had a series of meetings with related parties all this week, and there is definite interest in buying Leeds, but I want to ensure it would be with long-term investment, significant working capital and the right governance so it can be a stable platform for sustainable Premier League success.

“Leeds United is a big club with a very strong fan base and huge potential for investors, particularly if it can be returned to the Premiership.”

This follows the Chinese takeovers of Aston Villa and Wolves.

Leeds United have suffered a difficult time during chairman Massimo Cellino’s ownership, following a ban for the Italian over tax evasion and employment tribunals from former employees claiming thousands – and that’s just off the pitch.