SMALL CLUBS TO GET FINANCIAL AID

Last updated : 23 March 2004 By editor

Liverpool are considering a share issue which will allow building millionaire Steve Morgan an influential voice in the future of the club.

Jersey-based Morgan was today in talks over a possible £50million investment.

A source said: 'It is not a takeover bid, Steve wants to put his money into the club, not the chairman's pocket, by buying shares. To do that a share issue seems the only way.'

The money would be used to part-finance the new Stanley Park stadium and also player buys.

It would also mean Liverpool would not have to borrow so much money to finance their move from Anfield to nearby Stanley Park, for which they are still awaiting planning permission.

Relegation-threatened Leeds United beat Manchester City 2-1 in the premier league on Monday to give the club's new owners the perfect start.

Leeds United's immediate future is safe following a £30m takeover by a locally-based consortium. Under the terms of the agreement with major creditors, Leeds Utd plc and a holding company were placed into administration prior to being wound up.

The move allowed the assets and reduced debts to be taken over by Leeds Utd's new holding company Adulant Force Ltd. The consortium is led by new Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner, and includes former player Peter Lorimer. Krasner takes over from old chairman Trevor Birch, who staved off the threat of administration and is expected to stay on to facilitate a handover.

"The club is off life support and can now move forward," Krasner told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We've been tying up the legal work with over 100 documents to sign and we are now looking forward to the future. The club is now solvent and we're now looking forward to retaining our Premiership status."