Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes that a Leeds United takeover by the 49ers Enterprises could be close.

The Lowdown: 49ers update

Reports earlier this month shared a significant update regarding a potential full takeover from the 49ers.

Andrea Radrizzani is currently the majority shareholder, although the 49ers have the option to take full control from the Italian in a deal worth in excess of £400m until January 2024.

The 49ers are thought to be gearing up for a full Leeds takeover, with US banking sources saying that investment is now in place after movement in recent weeks.

The Latest: Maguire’s comments

Maguire, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding the news on the 49ers and Leeds. He said that a takeover could be ‘potentially close’ but suggested that the 49ers won’t be in a hurry to finalise a deal.

Maguire outlined: “49ers investments have fairly deep pockets. Therefore, the option to increase the stake in Leeds United beyond 50 per cent, which would give them day to day control in terms of decision making, is potentially close.

“At the same time, it is a case of agreeing the right price and protecting the interests of the existing stakeholders. That might take some time to finalise.

“The 49ers are in no hurry to do a deal. They will be looking at other investment opportunities given that they are a specialist investment fund.”

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The Verdict: One to watch

It seems as if the 49ers have the finances in place to take control from Radrizzani, but it doesn’t mean that it's a done deal just yet.

You’d expect that the American company won’t want Jesse Marsch’s side to be involved in another relegation battle, and dropping to the Championship could result in a deal being called off.

It wouldn’t come as a surprise if they waited until the summer, so 2023 could be a pivotal year for the Whites both on and off the pitch.