Here are the latest Leeds United headlines on Thursday, June 15.
Rickie Fowler and pals looking to invest in Leeds United
The identity of three more individuals involved in 49ers Enterprises' takeover of Leeds United appears to have been revealed, as American golfer Rickie Fowler revealed that he and two of his fellow pros are 'moving forward' as a part of the takeover.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Fowler said: “There is the group that’s moving forward with being involved with Leeds. Myself, JT (Justin Thomas) and Jordan (Spieth) potentially will be a part of it.
“It’s cool to have those opportunities. I know we are looking into it. It will be fun if we get to be a part of it.
READ MORE: Leeds United news LIVE: Manager latest as golfing trio look to invest in Whites
“Obviously they got relegated, but to be able to go to a Premier League game, Champions League. I feel like, obviously you call it football over there, we call it soccer here, it’s a massive sport.
“I feel like it’s continuing to get bigger in the States, but still since I haven’t been to a game I don’t have the true appreciation until I’ve actually been able to go and be there and feel that energy.”
This comes after NBA duo Larry Nance Jr and TJ McConnell confirmed on social media that they were part of the ownership group.
Leeds issued a statement on Friday evening that a takeover had been agreed, with 'further updates to be provided soon'.
Webber has already told Leeds United what he’d bring and explained Farke sacking
Stuart Webber has already explained what his next club might be able to expect from him, as he prepares to leave Norwich City. The sporting director has been strongly linked with a switch to Leeds United in recent weeks, following Victor Orta’s departure from Elland Road, and Tuesday’s announcement of his intention to leave East Anglia only served to put such speculation into overdrive.
Webber, who is known to be a Leeds fan, has spent six years at Carrow Road, but this season will be his last as he works his notice before moving on to pastures new. The Welshman previously worked at Huddersfield Town, QPR, Wolves and Liverpool before arriving at Norwich and, despite attracting recent criticism from Canaries supporters, he has a strong reputation in the game.
Speculation linking Webber and Leeds is as far as it goes at present, but if he were to land at Elland Road, it seems he would fancy his chances of being able to help the Whites, who are waiting for the 49ers Enterprises’ takeover to be officially signed off, back to Premier League. Speaking to the Training Ground Guru back in March, Webber underlined his belief that his strengths lie in ‘change’ and winning people over in new environments.
Leeds United facing pre-season disruption as key men to return late
Leeds United are set to begin preparations for the start of the new Championship season with a severely depleted squad. The Whites are due to begin pre-season at the start of July and they will have just one month to get ready for the opening game of the season, which is scheduled to take place during the first weekend of August.
As such, pre-season will be shorter than usual for the Whites and they could probably do without the knock-on effects of the international calendar. A total of 12 Leeds players will be international action in some capacity over the next few weeks and it seems likely that most, if not all, will be given extra time to rest and recuperate before returning to Thorp Arch.
