Sheikh 'to buy Leeds United'

The Elland Road club could have a new owner within weeks

A group of Middle Eastern investors expects to complete a takeover of Leeds United within a week, say reports.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain's royal family, is heading a group aiming to take over the Elland Road club, according to news agency Agence France Presse.

"It's a group of investors from the Gulf, not just Bahrain, that I am leading and that will take over the English club," he told the agency in a telephone interview.

Sheikh Abdul Rahman said he expected "the deal to be closed within a week".

Rescue plan

He did not give any figures for the buyout, but the Daily Mirror reported the club has been offered £20m.

"I prefer not to give a figure because the club is heavily indebted and is looking to be rescued and that's what I am trying to do.

"My relations with the club go back 25 years and I am saddened by the current situation since they are bottom of the Premiership," said the sheikh who is also the chairman of Bahraini side Al-Najma.

Leeds United said on Wednesday it was in danger of being forced into administration after failing to reach agreement on the restructuring of debts amounting to almost £80m.

The sheikh, a long-time fan, would also take on the debts if he takes over in the next few weeks.

The club, who in the 2000-2001 season reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, are currently bottom of the Premiership and without a permanent manager following the departure of Peter Reid last month.

Elland Road legend Eddie Gray is in charge of the side as caretaker manager.

No-one from Leeds United was available for comment on Saturday afternoon.