MLSE not in the running to buy Leeds United

Leeds United are talking to potential new owners but the groups do not include Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd(MLSE). An MLSE source said there was no truth to reports in the English media that it is a potential new owner of Leeds United. This came almost five years to the day after news surfaced the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs was thinking about buying a team that could play in the English Premier League, with Leeds United as a potential target. However, MLSE abandoned the idea after its investigation showed English soccer could be a treacherous money pit.The rumoured connection at one stage began to look likely as Leeds United released a statement confirming they were talking to potential investors followed a few hours later by news that the MLSE were to hold a 'soccer' related press conference,however the press conference had no connection to any Leeds United deal and was in fact to announce a new sponsorship deal for the Canadian based soccer club it owns.  In a statement on its own website, Leeds United said it "can confirm that talks are taking place regarding investment for the long-term future. The club has always publicly stated that it would welcome potential investment." The club did not identify any of the potential investors.

Leeds United Set for Takeover?

Reports emerging this morning indicate that Leeds United are on the verge of a change of ownership.Chairman Ken Bates is believed to have received two offers for the club. One which is rumoured to be at an advanced stage is from a Canadian based sports company,that company is believed to be Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd(MLSE)who amongst other assets own the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League and Toronto F.C of Major League Soccer along with three TV channels,The company is valued at around 1.5 Billion dollar's(Canadian) and in the past stated their intention to purchase an English Premier League team.At this time the identity of the second offer remains a mystery.