THERE IS "huge potential for Chinese investors" at Leeds, according to businessman Steve Tappin who has been meeting with possible suitors.

Harrogate-born Tappin is a lifelong Leeds fan and the chief executive and founder of Chinese consultancy company Xinfu.

In the wake of Chinese takeovers of fellow Championship clubs Aston Villa and Wolves, Tappin believes interest is there within the Asian country to purchase the Elland Road outfit.

"I have had a series of meetings with related parties all this week and there is definite interest in buying Leeds but I want to ensure it would be with long-term investment, significant working capital and the right governance so it can be a stable platform for sustainable Premier League success," Tappin was quoted as telling a Chinese newspaper.

"Leeds United is a big club with a very strong fan base and huge potential for investors, particularly if it can be returned to the Premier League."

Leeds are currently under the ownership of Italian Massimo Cellino. The 60-year-old has divided the Elland Road fanbase during his two-year tenure with the sacking of six coaches and a number of off-the-field incidents and the selling of academy products.

Cellino was banned by the Football League in 2014 after being found guilty of tax evasion in his homeland and recently had another ban overturned.

He has regularly claimed he is willing to sell the club and last year said he would do so to a group of supporters, only to renege within seven days. His most recent comments regarding a sale came in May when he said he would sell if he received the right offer.

Tappin added: "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."

Leeds have been out of the Premier League since a financial meltdown caused their 2004 relegation. They have lurched from crisis to crisis since and last season finished 13th in the Championship, prompting Cellino to replace Steve Evans with Garry Monk as head coach.