Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Chinese tycoon has emerged as a prospective buyer who would prevent debt-ridden Leeds United from falling into administration.
It is understood that Xu Ming, who is estimated to be the 11th richest man in China with assets of more than £200m, would like to gain control of a leading European club and it would appear that Leeds could afford him the perfect opportunity to do that.
A bid from Ming might outweigh a rival approach which is likely to be put forward by the former Leeds deputy chairman, Allan Leighton, and Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Mubarak al-Khalifa, of Bahrain, who is understood to have the support of two Saudi Arabian businessmen.
With Leeds £78m in debt, their chief executive, Trevor Birch, has been given a deadline of 19 January - set by the club's principal creditors - to resolve the financial current crisis.
Birch revealed on Sunday that the club's chairman, Professor John McKenzie, who has business interests in the Far East, was considering putting together his own consortium. That may well be led by Ming, who is also chairman of the Chinese Division A side, Dalian Shide. McKenzie, confirmed on Monday that he will not be standing for re-election at next Tuesday's annual general meeting.
Port Vale's board of directors are set to discuss a new takeover bid for the club this week. The fifth offer to buy a major share in the club was made one hour after Friday's deadline for potential investors to come forward.
The club have not revealed any further details, but have stressed it is not connected with the pop star and Vale fan Robbie Williams or Stoke City's Icelandic owners, both of whom have been linked with the Second Division side.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments