By Kieran Maguire

25th Apr, 2021 | 12:00pm

Maguire shares big Leeds prediction after speaking to 49ers chief Marathe

Leeds United are in safe hands under Paraag Marathe and not at risk of becoming a franchise club.

That is according to finance guru and Football Insider columnist Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively about comments made by the Leeds chairman and San Francisco 49ers president.

Marathe told Leeds Live earlier this year: “You can’t view this as just a business opportunity, an economic, commercial opportunity.”

The issue of owners being emotionally detached from their clubs is a hot topic at present amid anger surrounding the now-shelved European Super League.

The ESL’s 12 rebel clubs attempted to enter a closed league and move towards a franchise model, provoking a furious reaction from fans.

But Maguire explained that he has spoken to Marathe personally and believes he is a trustworthy custodian for the club.

He told Football Insider correspondent: “We had him on the podcast, actually.

“Having spoken to him, he seems very in tune with football culture. I don’t think he’s one of these American figures who are not emotionally involved with the club at all.

“He’s accepting that he’s operating in a different environment here in Europe.

“He wouldn’t want to be a disrupter because he wants to build up a good relationship with Leeds fans and that would be counterproductive.”

Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has been vocal in his opposition to the ESL plot.

The sports media tycoon called the planned breakaway “absolutely against the sporting spirit” of football in a strongly-worded tweet.

In other news, ex-Whites striker amazed by what he’s heard about Leeds United man in training.