Reports in the Middle East have put a name to the mystery man they believe to be in pole position to buy Leeds United.
Gulf Weekly reports that the group of Middle East investors, with links across the region, is headed by Bahrain’s Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mubarak Al Khalifa.
The report, from the Bahrain-based newspaper, goes on to say that the Shaikh is a lifelong supporter of Leeds and was previously linked with a failed takeover of the club in 2003.
According to the newspaper, friends of Shaikh Abdulrahman say he is currently visiting Europe and is not available to comment.
In 2003 he told reporters: “I fell in love with the club when I was 11-years-old when Leeds played Chelsea in the 1970 FA Cup Final.
“Leeds mean everything to me, I was born to support them. Those who are closest to me, my friends and my family, know what Leeds United mean to me.”
The protracted takeover saga has been rumbling on for more than a month with the trail having gone cold in North America, and now appearing to settle in the Gulf.
Leeds United released a statement recently that read: “Leeds United can confirm they have granted an exclusivity period to enable a potential investor to carry out the appropriate due diligence.
“It is anticipated this will be a fairly straightforward process. A confidentiality clause prevents the club from making any further comment.
“However, our discussions with them have left us very comfortable that they have the financial resources to support the club and that they will have no issues in satisfying the requirements of the Football League’s Owners and Directors Test, unlike many of the previous approaches we have had to endure.”