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Leeds United agree investment deal with NFL side San Francisco 49ers

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Sky Sports News reporter Richard Graves explains the details behind the link up between Leeds United and the San Francisco 49ers

Leeds United have announced they have agreed a partnership with an investment entity affiliated with NFL side the San Francisco 49ers.

The deal will see 49ers Enterprises take a share of around 10 per cent in the Championship club, with Andrea Radrizzani remaining as Leeds' majority owner.

Radrizzani described the 49ers as one of the world's biggest sports teams and said funds put into the club will go towards investment in the first team.

San Francisco 49ers
Image: The San Francisco 49ers are bottom of the NFC West division

"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."

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Leeds board member Paraag Marathe says the club belong in the Premier League

As part of the deal, president of 49ers Enterprises and executive vice president of football operations Paraag Marathe has joined the Leeds board.

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"Paraag comes with a wealth of experience. We look forward to working with him and learning from his deep understanding of a sporting giant", said Radrizzani.

A statement from Leeds said the club "will benefit from the business expertise of 49ers Enterprises in areas including ticketing strategies, sponsorship and commercial opportunities, stadium development, technology, retail and merchandising, and sport development and training".

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