Red Bull and 49ers Enterprises react to Angus Kinnear exit news at Leeds United
Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises have hit the headlines this week following their interest in backing a consortium to buy Rangers.
The US-based firm in advanced talks with the Glasgow giants are being propped up by Paraag Marathe as he looks to expand the 49ers’ sporting network throughout the world.
However, while events develop north of the border, a Premier League club are now interested in the potential of snatching Angus Kinnear in a chief executive role with changes coming at Elland Road.
Angus Kinnear in demand at Leeds United
While the 49ers dominate the media sphere following the news at Rangers, Leeds United could have more direct issues to tackle.
According to Leeds United News, Everton are keen to add Kinnear to their board of directors, alongside new owners, The Friedkin Group.
The Toffees’ new ownership group took the reins from Farhad Moshiri and appointed David Moyes as manager, as they look to a change of era in a brand-new stadium from the summer.
Now they are keen on Kinnear, but it is widely anticipated that the 49ers and Red Bull – who rate the CEO very highly at Elland Road – would take some incredible persuasion to entertain a move, as it’s stated they would “resist” any interest.
Leeds are in the middle of a huge push to return to the Premier League, and if successful, will believe they can expand on their board spending, and can match Everton financially.
Marathe looking to expand 49ers’ sporting empire
Marathe is not shy, as he looks to lend his support for a takeover in Scotland, with Leeds and Rangers possibly becoming part of a multi-club model.
The controlling stake the company have in Leeds means they cannot assume full control at Rangers, which will at least see the Whites remain a priority.
Part of the project at Leeds is not just to retain their place in the Premier League and re-establish themselves as a dominant force in English football, but also to keep hold of their most coveted assets.
Kinnear, for his flaws in the past including the club crest controversy of seven years ago, has been an excellent servant at Elland Road and is unsurprisingly very highly regarded.
It would take something huge for Everton’s interest to come to fruition, as Leeds are only marginally behind on a similar project.