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Sources: 49ers plan to expand Leeds United stadium revealed after new talks
The 49ers have drawn up plans to expand Elland Road following their takeover of Leeds United, Football Insider has learned.
The US-based group were finally given permission from the EFL to assume control of Leeds this week after the club announced on 9 June that a deal was in place with previous owner Andrea Radrizzani.
Radrizzani had promised Leeds fans that Elland Road would be expanded under his ownership, but the Italian was unable to follow up on his plans before the club was sold.
Radrizzani planned to expand Elland Road through a £100million project which would grow the stadium’s capacity to 55,000 by redeveloping the West Stand.
He revealed that talks had been held with club CEO Angus Kinnear over financing the project during Leeds’ third year in the Premier League, but relegation halted those plans and the club was subsequently sold.
Paraag Marathe has since been appointed as the club’s new chairman, while Kinnear is set to retain his position on the board.
Marathe penned an open letter to Leeds fans following the takeover, outlining his plans for the club moving forward.
Included in the letter was Marathe’s “long-term goal” to invest and expand Elland Road.
Football Insider understands that Marathe has drawn up altered stadium plans to gradually increase capacity once the club returns to the top flight.
Talks have also been held over renovating the club store and facilities in and around the stadium.
Marathe adds in his letter that promotion to the Premier League remains the club’s top priority before any stadium redevelopment can take place.
Elland Road has already experienced a major change since the 49ers’ takeover, with the stadium being named an Asset of Community Value on Tuesday (18 July).
The community is now guaranteed a chance to bid for the ground should the owner decide to sell.
The change comes following news that Radrizzani offered Elland Road as security in a £26million bank loan.
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