Mike Farnan, head of a consortium trying to buy Leeds United, says the club is a "global brand in the same ilk as Liverpool and Manchester United'.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that the consortium of Yorkshire businessmen are in surprise talks with prospective owner Massimo Cellino as the Italian awaits a decision on his appeal against the Football League's decision to block his takeover of the club. 'Together Leeds' are now hoping to own the club either with Cellino if his appeal is successful, or without him if it fails.

The club is currently losing more than £1m a month and players agreed to defer part of their wages last week.