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The investment group, affiliated to NFL side San Francisco 49ers, have forked out a fee in the region of £10m for the minority stake.

Paraag Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice president of football operations, has joined the Whites’ board of directors.

He takes a seat alongside Radrizzani, Angus Kinnear, Ivan Bravo and Andre Tegner.

Radrizzani said: “I am particularly pleased to welcome Paraag to the Leeds United board

“Paraag comes with a wealth of experience. We look forward to working with him and learning from his deep understanding of a sporting giant.”

Why has Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani sold shares to 49ers Enterprises?

The £10m cash injection is expected to be handed to pumped into strengthening the squad.

Leeds - under the guidance of director of football Victor Orta - revamped their squad last summer but a string of buys flopped.

(Image: GETTY)

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Marathe has already held talks with head coach Paul Heckingbottom.

Elland Road bosses also hope the partnership will boost their commercial and operational arms.

“This strategic partnership enables Leeds United to align with and gain invaluable expertise from the owners of one of the biggest global sports entities,” said Radrizzani.

“The 49ers are an innovative, successful organisation and we are delighted to have access to such a rich source of business and sporting expertise.

“This exciting partnership builds on the foundations we have laid down at the club in the last 12 months and we can assure supporters that the funds invested will go towards improving results on the pitch.”

Are 49ers Enterprises planning to buy out Andrea Radrizzani?

It appears that this is not the start of a long-term takeover, with 49ers Enterprises viewing the partnership as an opportunity to build their brand.

(Image: GETTY)

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Radrizzani also has no plans to sell the majority of his shares.

What have 49ers Enterprises said about the partnership with Leeds United?

Paraag Marathe, who has spent the past 18 years working for the 49ers, says he is eager to help Leeds return to the Premier League.

“It is truly an honour to be invited to join the board of a football club as storied as Leeds United,” he said.

“I share the vision that Andrea has for returning Leeds United to greatness.

(Image: GETTY)

“I believe that the knowledge and experience we bring to the table combined with the hard work being done by Andrea and his talented team will make that vision a reality.”

Who could Leeds United buy with their financial boost?

The Whited are looking to strengthen their spine of their team.

Manchester City goalkeeper Angus Gunn is a loan target while permanent deals are being sought for former loanee Kyle Bartley from Swansea City and Hull City striker Abel Hernandez.