Consultant Steve Tappin, the CEO of Xinfu, who is trying to put together a Chinese consortium to take control of Leeds United, has compared the Whites to Barcelona and Manchester United, pointing out he feels they have huge potential as a global brand.
Word of a potential Chinese takeover powered by Tappin leaked out earlier today, with speculation over a potential £100m bid for the Championship club.
Leeds had challenged near the top end of the Premier League, as well as competing in the Champions League, until they suffered a financial meltdown and eventually slipped out of the top flight in 2004.
The Yorkshire giants have rarely looked like regaining their spot at the top table of English football, but Tappin thinks the brand value remains at Elland Road.
He feels that Leeds' name means they are able to rub shoulders with sides such as Barcelona and Manchester United; presently the Whites have to make do with rubbing shoulders with the likes of Barnsley and Rotherham United.
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Tappin was quoted as saying by ITV: "There is huge potential for Chinese investors.
"Leeds is a sleeping giant.
"The brand valuations of Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona run into billions of dollars and not long ago Leeds used to be up among them", the CEO added.
Leeds are currently owned by controversial Italian businessman Massimo Cellino, who has flirted with selling the club in the past, but has yet to be convinced.
And Cellino is hugely passionate about the game, taking a hands-on role at Elland Road.
