View GalleryBy Phil HayExclusive
THE battle for control of Leeds United took another twist today after administrators KPMG confirmed they are considering rival takeover bids to those made by Ken Bates and Simon Morris.
United's future is set to be decided on June 1 when the club's creditors will be asked to vote on a Company Voluntary Arrangement drawn up by Leeds United Football Club Limited, the company fronted by Bates which is attempting to buy back Leeds.
Sufficient support for the proposal would see United's 75-year-old chairman remain in charge at Elland Road.
Bates agreed a buy-back deal with KPMG within minutes of placing the club in administration on May 4, but former United director Simon Morris is also vying for outright control after bidding £10m for Leeds.
Morris, who is said to have a personal fortune of £69m, claims his plans would see a further £25m invested in the club, and around £400m spent through his property firm SR Morris Group on redeveloping Elland Road and the surrounding area.
But speculation is mounting that other unnamed parties are waiting in the background with serious and credible alternatives, and KPMG revealed today that they are "talking to other interested parties and have received other offers". The administrators have not commented on the identities of the bidders.
United's creditors will be presented with details of other interested parties during the meeting on June 1.
Last Updated: 23 May 2007
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Det er tydeligvis masse avktivitet rundt oppkjøp osv. nå! Det er intet som er avgjort og vi må leve i spenning frem til 1. juni minst. Jeg tror likevel at fremtiden ser mye lysere ut enn hva tilfelle har vært de foregående sesonger i CCC! [
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