The Guardian reports:
'The drab, once communist eastern town is a nonentity in the German football world, its team seemingly welded to the country's fifth division. However Markranstädt is preparing for a radical upturn in its fortunes thanks to the soft drinks giant Red Bull and a huge cash injection.
'The Austrian firm has announced plans to bankroll the club with an estimated €100m (£86m) investment over the next decade "It is great news," SSV Markran-städt's business manager Micheal Unvericht, said yesterday. "Since the reunification, the east has been a complete desert as far as soccer is concerned. This is a chance to change all that." Under the deal, the club will form the nucleus of a new side RB Leipzig - echoing the initials of the drinks concern. Players will wear the same red and white Red Bull jerseys worn by the company's other clubs, the American New York Red Bulls and Austrian team, FC Red Bull Salzburg.
'Not all of the local fans are happy about the plan. News of the takeover led to Red Bull's adverts being torn and smeared with graffiti at Markranstädt's small stadium last week. The pitch was also damaged with weed killer.
'Most observers say the club has been made an offer it couldn't refuse. Matthias Gärtner, a spokesman for Germany's Fan Alliance, described the town as, "football loving but at rock bottom". He added: "The devil himself could show up and if he happened to have a few million in his pocket, he'd be welcomed with open arms."'