Hull FC owner Adam Pearson remains totally committed to making the club a force in the game, despite speculation he is preparing to make a return to football. Pearson has been linked to a potential takeover of Leeds United as part of a consortium headed by club hero Lucas Radebe.
It is not the first time the Hull owner has been linked with a Leeds takeover. However, while rumours have been easily dismissed in the past, it is understood there is a firm interest from Pearson this time.
While that may be the case, sources have told the Mail Pearson has no intention of selling Hull FC or cutting back his financial commitment to the club. The Hull owner, who is preparing for his third full season in charge at the KC Stadium, remains determined to win a trophy with Hull and will not scale back any of his ambitious plans or spending. Since arriving at Hull, Pearson has spent a lot of money overhauling the club's training ground, while investing in new equipment and staff both on and off the field to pursue his goal of bringing the glory days back to the club.
Pearson, who bought the Black and Whites in 2011, has been linked with a return to Leeds on several occasions in the past both while in charge at Hull City and most recently since taking ownership of the Black and Whites. Last February, he was rumoured to be part of a Yorkshire-based consortium interested in taking over the club from Dubai-based owners GFH Capital.
Back then, Pearson dismissed the speculation, stating: "There'll be no movement to Elland Road in the near future ... Certainly I won't be leaving FC until there's some silverware and we're established as a top Super League club. I want to win something and try to get into that top four."
The BBC said it understood a consortium which Pearson was involved in had entered a formal bid for United. Leeds owner GFH Capital has rejected the bid, with Radebe, 44, and ex-Leeds director Pearson looking to purchase a majority stake in the club for £7m.
GFH said in a statement: "We are watching with a mixture of bemusement and interest the reports suggesting any credible takeover bid has been made. No serious approach has been made by any members reportedly concerned."
Dubai-based investment group GFH Capital bought the club from Ken Bates last December. Leeds are currently eighth in the Championship, one point outside the play-off places.
