Paraag Marathe says that the San Francisco 49ers are looking to increase their stake in Leeds United.
The NFL franchise purchased a ten per cent stake in the club in the summer of 2018, shortly before Marcelo Bielsa's arrival in West Yorkshire.
The Argentine has now overseen promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, massively increasing the value of the 49ers' stake in the process.
And Marathe, president of 49ers Enterprises, says that future investment is something that the Californians are actively pursuing.
“It’s something that we are absolutely hoping to do,” Marathe told the New York Times.
During their two-year relationship so far, Paraag, who has a seat on the Leeds board, has made a number of visits to Leeds with the two organisations sharing information from both sporting and business perspectives.
Andrea Radrizanni last month said that the 49ers investment has now more than tripled in value, but Marathe has made it clear there is no desire to cash in from the Super Bowl LIV finalists.
“This is more about continuing the journey than it is about what the multiple on our investment is,” he added.
Echoing Radrizzani's belief that Sheffield United provide a suitable Premier League model to follow than the likes of big-spending Fulham and Aston Villa in recent years, Marathe values continuity ahead of Leeds' top flight return.
“You don’t want to just rush and go high — ‘Every player out now; we’re a Premier League club’ — and buy this and this and this player,” Marathe said. “Sometimes you want to build it organically and thoughtfully.”
Radrizzani addressed the issue of potential investment from the 49ers when he spoke to the media last month following Leeds' promotion.
"We haven't talked about that," the Leeds chairman said. "They've done a good deal investing in the club with me.
"Because they have seen their investment already worth probably three-point-five times higher in terms of what they originally put. But they obviously are good friends, a good partner and they think as myself, they could bring more value in the management of the club in the Premier League than what they have done until now.
"I expect them to also help us more, step and help us potentially in the future here in the Premier League. In club management, particularly in the stadium or merchandise or activities that they do very well in the US."
The 49ers, who came up short against the Kansas City Chiefs in February's Super Bowl are due to start the new NFL season on Sunday September 13 - the day after the new Premier League campaign is set to commence.
