Leeds admit takeover talks

Leeds United have responded to claims that a potential takeover is in the offing.

The Championship club confirmed that talks have taken place regarding investment for the long-term future of the Yorkshire side.

Reports emerged yesterday suggesting there had been significant interest in a takeover bid from a number of parties.

Canadian company Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment had been linked with buying out Ken Bates’ share in the club, something the company have reportedly denied.

But Leeds released a statement on Tuesday that confirmed negotiations have taken place, although they refused to go into more detail.

“Further to media reports on Tuesday morning, the club can confirm that talks are taking place regarding investment for the long-term future,” read the statement.

“The club has always publicly stated that it would welcome potential investment, but has maintained a belief whereby the quality of the investor is the most important factor in terms of the long-term development of Leeds United.

“No further comment will be made at this stage.”

A statement has also been released by the Leeds United Supporters Trust, who claim talks have taken place with two groups who are interested in buying the club.

The statement said: “We are aware of firm interest from a number of parties looking to buy Leeds United. We understand that Leeds United are in talks with at least two separate groups. We also understand there is one firm bid on the table at present.

“In February we responded to (chairman) Ken Bates’ suggestion that we ‘put our money where our mouth is’ by asking any potential investors, who shared the aims and ambitions of our members and of our Vision Statement, to contact the Trust with a view to working together to take Mr Bates up on his offer.

“We developed a presentation so interested parties could see how working with LUST could help them and have been in contact with a number of people to explore ways of bringing about change for the better at Elland Road.

“As part of this ongoing work we have spoken to two groups who are interested in buying Leeds United.

“At this stage it is not possible for us to go into details about our conversations with these groups, as with a firm offer on the table we would not want to jeopardise any current negotiations.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/leeds-admit-takeover-talks/95455/

Whites talking with investors World Soccer Shop

Championship outfit Leeds United have confirmed they are in talks with an unnamed group of potential investors.

Leeds: In talks with investors

Speculation has been mounting since the weekend that the club could be the subject of a possible takeover, while it is understood discussions took place in Leeds last week.

A club statement read: "Further to media reports on Tuesday morning, the club can confirm that talks are taking place regarding investment for the long-term future.

"The club has always publicly stated that it would welcome potential investment, but has maintained a belief whereby the quality of the investor is the most important factor in terms of the long-term development of Leeds United. No further comment will be made at this stage."

Canada-based Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), owners of NHL ice hockey franchise Toronto Maple Leafs, have been mentioned on internet fans' forums, but it has been reported the company have denied any involvement in last week's meetings.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17358/whites_talking_with_investors

Stark: Young Scots are hungry World Soccer Shop

Billy Stark is sure Scotland Under-21s will retain their competitive edge for Thursday's UEFA European Championship qualifier against Bulgaria.

Stark: Says U21s need to find that edge

Scotland will move top of Group 10 if they win in Lovech, although current leaders Holland face Luxembourg the following night.

The game comes three weeks after the Scottish Premier League season ended and in the wake of the senior team's 5-1 thrashing by the United States after a week of training in Florida.

Scotland manager Craig Levein felt the Americans were more up for the game than his players but Stark has no fears that his team will switch off mentally.

"I can understand that but ours is a championship game and we need to find that edge," Stark said.

"With the group of players we have, I don't have any doubts about that at all.

"They are hungry to succeed. You need to have ability and show it in games but that resilience and hunger to do well in every game is there.

"But it's a fair point that when it's championship games you find a wee extra edge. Even allowing for the time of season then I still think our boys should find it okay."

Stark added: "We lost to Italy in a friendly. Friendly games are about honing your team for competitive games and, if you look at it, our record in championship games is pretty good.

"We are unbeaten so far and would like to come out of Bulgaria with that intact."

Stark managed to provide his players with 60 minutes of action against senior players on a Scottish Football Association training course last week while some members of the squad have had more high-profile encounters recently.

Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes helped his side into the npower Championship in a Wembley sudden-death penalty shootout victory over Sheffield United on Saturday, with Scotland Under-21 team-mate and Bolton striker Michael O'Halloran on the losing side.

Another player with a taxing schedule was Dundee United striker Johnny Russell, who was with Levein's squad in Florida.

Stark said: "We're at the stage of the season where some boys last played a competitive game a month ago, and Jordan Rhodes played as recently as Saturday.

"We had a few days together last week and that was really beneficial. The way they have gone about training, we are really delighted.

"We are looking at individuals and what state they are in before formulating a starting 11.

"Jordan has had a phenomenal season in terms of goalscoring and individual performances but him more than anybody would enjoy the team achievement more than anything. So I think he'll be on a big high.

"As is Johnny Russell - he's tired but he's high. He's had his first involvement with the big team, which is great.

"We have until Thursday to recuperate him from the travel but we have had the benefit from Johnny training with the big squad.

"He's an exuberant boy who shows great enthusiasm and vitality in terms of training and playing."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17320/stark__young_scots_are_hungry

Huddersfield confident of keeping Rhodes

Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle insists the newly-promoted Championship club have the ‘upper hand’ to retain striker Jordan Rhodes.

Hoyle spoke as his mind turned towards retaining the services of the Scotland international when the Yorkshire side return to the second tier of English football for the first time in over a decade next season.

The 22-year-old Rhodes – for whom Fulham are reportedly lining up a five-million-pound bid – may not have added to his 40-goal haul for the season in a goalless playoff final draw with Sheffield United but he coolly stuck away a spot-kick as Huddersfield triumphed in a sudden-death shootout.

“I am sure that the rumour-mongers will be getting to work as we speak but Jordan is under contract with us until 2015. We have the upper hand and that is final. That is all I am prepared to say on the matter,” Hoyle told Goal.com.

“There was a lot of pressure on Jordan before the game at Wembley and everyone was talking about him but he stepped up to the plate when it mattered most for us in that penalty shootout.

“Jordan is a cracking guy and it did not quite come off for him – but it was scorching on the pitch at Wembley – but let’s be fair anyone that has watched him week in week out knows what a sensational talent we have got on our hand.”

Hoyle is now due to discuss the club’s plans for the 2012-13 campaign with manager Simon Grayson who took over the Terriers when Lee Clark was sacked in February.

“I brought Simon in to do a job and get us promoted and that is what he has done but credit has to go to Lee Clark as well,” Hoyle said.

“I know I got berated for letting him go, probably berated more outside Huddersfield than within the area where people count most because they are the ones who know best and support the club.

“Lee brought the players to the club and we had three great years with Lee and Simon has come in and finished the job off.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/huddersfield-confident-of-keeping-rhodes/95384/