Rumour, counter-rumour, myth, counter-myth – there is never a week when it’s quiet up Elland Road way. First we have owners convicted, told to resign, appeal, allowed back and that’s still on-going. Then there’s this week’s circus with the sacking/suspension of assistant coach Steve Thompson with allegations he was standing firm against orders not to play Mirco Antenucci in case he dare score and trigger clauses written into his contract. Then there was the Russell Crowe response to a Tweet from a Leeds fan that had other Leeds United fans suffering all manner of conniptions.
Now the Red Bull rumours have resurfaced…again.
Those mysterious and elusive ‘sources’ as quoted by newspapers have surfaced yet again feeding rumours of a proposed £60m takeover of Leeds United by drinks giants Red Bull. In the Daily Mirror (online), these sources go as far to claim that the energy drink giant hope to have the deal set up, polished, dusted and announced in around three weeks. The Mirror claim that,
“High-ranking staff have visited Elland Road to sample the match-day atmosphere and held talks with currently suspended owner Massimo Cellino.”
The Mirror also report that the two hurdles remaining are to do with: 1.) how involved Red Bull can be with a third club without breaking UEFA regulations as they already have owner interests in Austria (Red Bull Salzburg) and Germany (Red Bull Liepzig) and 2.) that there are no complications over dealing with the banished-until-May 3rd Cellino, Leeds’ controversially maverick owner.
It is thought that Red Bull are wanting to push for a full takeover, having big plans for the Whites where the firm [Red Bull] feel that the youth in Leeds’ side and the thriving academy meshes well with their company ethos and overall operating philosophy.
Until things firm up, or until sources stop being anonymous, this is likely to be one where ears and eyes are kept vigilantly open yet caution is advised.
