Dan Godfrey

Wed 26 February 2025 20:40, UK

Leeds United have hit the heights of late by taking a huge step closer to the Premier League following their comeback win at Sheffield United.

The 3-1 success at Bramall Lane puts Leeds firmly in the Championship driving seat, but there remains plenty of work to be done.

Elsewhere, owners 49ers Enterprises have shown huge interest in backing a US-based consortium to buy Scottish giants Rangers in what could see the Whites become part of a multi-club ownership.

Paraag Marathe and his fellow party members are in advanced talks to purchase the shares of several Rangers board members.

MOT Leeds News rounds up the latest from around Elland Road.

Ex-player points out ‘legal issue’ with 49ers and Rangers

Leeds United’s owners could meet a “legal” obstacle should they add Rangers to their growing global sporting empire, according to Paul Robinson.

The former Whites and England goalkeeper has pointed out that should Leeds and Rangers compete together in the same European tournament in years to come, issues could arise regarding a conflict of interest.

This had also previously caused discourse ahead of this season’s Champions League, which was being competed in by both Manchester City and Girona, part of the City Football Group.

“I think the only issue with legal reason, if they’re in a European competition together, then that could be an issue. But actually, with the dual ownership, I think the Leeds chairman, the way that the club’s been run, there was the influx of money from Red Bull as well that came in this season,” Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News.

Daniel Farke ‘set for FA fine’ after Leeds incident

Daniel Farke could still receive further punishment from the FA after his touchline ban at Sheffield United, according to Dan Plumley.

The finance expert analysed the case on Farke, whose celebrations at Pascal Struijk’s last-gasp winner against Sunderland (17 February) earned him a third yellow card of the season and consequent ban at Bramall Lane.

Plumley cited the recent fines dished out to Everton and Liverpool for the aftermath of a fiery Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on 12 February, exclusively claiming to MOT Leeds News: “You do run the risk these days, there has got to be common sense applied at certain points, you understand the celebrations for things like that given the last-minute winner, but it’s likely that sometimes you get fined for these things.”

Farke has been backed by several footballing figures who were against the punishment for celebrating the potentially crucial goal.

Angus Kinnear likely for Premier League move

Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear is looking increasingly likely to leave Elland Road at the end of this season even despite the chances of promotion.

Mike Keegan reported (26 February) that Kinnear will remain and add another rise to the Premier League onto his CV before departing for Everton, who are under recent new ownership.

A thorough rebuild is taking place on the blue half of Merseyside with David Moyes having been appointed last month by The Friedkin Group, who bought out Farhad Moshiri earlier this season.

Leeds highly rate their CEO but it looks as if Kinnear, 47, is moving onto pastures new having initially joined the Whites from West Ham United in 2017.

Leeds backed to seal Tammy Abraham deal

Paul Robinson says Leeds United should look to close a deal for Tammy Abraham in the summer, believing an another number nine needs adding at Elland Road.

Abraham is out of contract at the end of the season with Roma, and is currently on loan at Serie A rivals AC Milan.

The 27-year-old left Chelsea for Roma in 2021, and has three goals in 11 senior England caps.

Robinson exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “He’s on loan at the moment, but his contract’s up at the end of the season. So if he’s going out on loan now with his contract up at the end of the season, you would think he’s got no future at his parent club. So a signing like that would be a statement signing for Leeds as well because he’s a quality player in an area of the field that Leeds need.”