Steve Tappin has stated that he is ‘committed to finding right funding…with interested Chinese investors’ regarding a takeover of Leeds United.
Remain committed to finding right funding for #lufc with interested Chinese investors. Not necessary to comment in English press atm. #MOT
— Steve Tappin CEO (@SteveTappin) July 30, 2016
This week, The72.co.uk reported that Championship club Leeds United could be the subject of a takeover by a Chinese consortium led by Steve Tappin of Xinfu.
However, despite the unknown members involved in the consortium,any proposed takeover will be led by Leeds United supporter and businessman Steve Tappin. Tappin is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Xinfu, and has been holding talks in Beijing.
The Tweet from Tappin adds further fuel to the reports that a takeover of the club could soon be on the cards. The proposed consortium is yet to make contact with current owner Massimo Cellino.
Discussing a potential takeover of the West Yorkshire club with China Daily, Tappin stated that “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.
“There is huge potential for Chinese investors. Leeds is a sleeping giant. The brand valuations of Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona run into billions of dollars and not long ago Leeds used to be up among them.”
The club is currently majority owned by Massimo Cellino, with investment group Gulf Finance House holding a minority stake in the West Yorkshire Club.
On the pitch, The Whites have already been active during this summer, signing goalkeeper Rob Green, defender Kyle Bartley, midfielder Matt Grimes and forwards Hadi Sacko, Kemar Roofe and Marcus Antonsson.
Leeds have also been linked with the signing of Italian full-back Gabriele Perico after the 32-year-old joined up with the club’s first team on trial.
The Championship club are also trying to secure the signatures of Conor Shaughnessy and Billy Whitehouse for the club’s under-21s side.
The West Yorkshire outfit have also sold midfielder Lewis Cook to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth for a reported £6 million fee.
Leeds travel to Queens Park Rangers for their season opener in the 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship.
