Managing director David Haigh has moved to reassure fans that the planned acquisition of a majority shareholding in the club is continuing to move closer.

The club’s MD, who passed the Football League's fit and proper person test for directors in 2012, is joined by Andrew Flowers, managing director of Leeds United’s main sponsor Enterprise Insurance, as part of the consortium Sport Capital which has signed a share purchase agreement with current majority stakeholders GFH Capital.

David Haigh said: “The process has taken longer than we anticipated and we would like to thank the fans for their patience. Since signing the original share acquisition documentation, we have been in continual talks with GFH Capital about the finer details of running the club. This has been an ongoing process, but I’d like to reassure everyone that we are working towards a successful conclusion sooner rather than later.”

GFH Capital confirmed in a statement to the Dubai Stock Exchange this week that an agreement was in place to sell a shareholding to a group of British investors.

Andrew Flowers said: “After a lot of hard work we’re almost ready to complete the deal. We have taken the time to ensure the terms of the deal will be in the best interests of everyone who wants to see Leeds United firmly on course for a long term and sustainable return to the top level of English Football.”

Chairman Salah Nooruddin added: “Everyone is working very hard to bring this to a successful conclusion. Everyone involved has the best interests of the club at heart, and we are all looking forward to the future.”