The San Francisco 49ers’ takeover of Leeds United could face opposition from a middle eastern buyer, Sportsmail understands.
An agreement is in place for the NFL franchise, which already owns 44 per cent of the club, to take full control following January 2024.
That deal is thought to rely on Leeds remaining in the Premier League and is widely viewed, should that be the case, as a formality.
However, sources have disclosed that an as-yet unnamed third party has shown a shock interest in stealing a march on the 49ers and taking over at Elland Road.