Confusion over Leeds United future as Red Bull distances itself from takeover bid

Red Bull has denied reports suggesting it is set to buy a stake in Leeds United.

 

According to reports Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has been in talks with the energy drink brand who are said to have had representatives in the city since last Wednesday.

 

The Mirror last month claimed that Red Bull, who currently own five football clubs around the world, is looking to add an English club to their stable. Reports in the Daily Mail this weekend suggested Leeds would be that club.

 

However, a spokesperson from Red Bull has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that the company has no interest in a takeover, nor buying a stake in the Championship club.

 

The spokesperson said: 

 

 

Earlier today Cellino told the Yorkshire Evening Post that rumours suggesting he was considering selling the club were “disrespectful” and “100 per cent not true".

 

The Italian businessman bought a controlling, 75 per cent stake in the Yorkshire club for £25m in April after successfully appealing against the Football League’s decision to block his takeover.

 

He has since sacked three different managers – Brian McDermott, Dave Hockaday and Darko Milanic, but claims to have spent £35m on the club since the takeover, and has promised to buy back Elland Road which the club currently rents from businessman Jacob Adler at a cost of £1.4m per year.

 

Leeds currently sit in 19th position in the Championship table, having recorded just one win in seven.

 

Red Bull currently own a multitude of sports teams including five football clubs in the US, Austria, Germany, Ghana and Brazil – all of whom have adopted the brands’ name into their own.