Leeds United will be desperate for chief executive Angus Kinnear to remain at Elland Road amid reports he could look to quit the Whites, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Yorkshire giants have already overseen an alteration in the dugout in recent weeks, with Jesse Marsch succeeding the sacked Marcelo Bielsa as head coach, but it appears changes could also be in the offing behind-the-scenes.

What's the latest news involving Kinnear?

Insider sources have told LeedsRadar that Kinnear is set to walk away from Elland Road by resigning at the end of the season.

The claim came just 24 hours after Bielsa, who had ended Leeds' 16-year exodus from Premier League, was axed by the club hierarchy.

Should Kinnear walk away, it would come as a major blow to 49ers Enterprises as The Athletic correspondent Phil Hay has previously revealed the San Francisco 49ers' investment arm want to keep the chief executive on board after they have taken full control.

It was revealed in December that a deal is in place which will see 49ers Enterprises gain 100 per cent of Leeds’ assets for in excess of £400million by January 2024.

Kinnear headed to Yorkshire from West Ham United close to five years ago, with Whites chairman Andrea Radrizzani overjoyed to have negotiated his switch from the London Stadium.

He filled the void left by Ben Mansford, who opted to leave Leeds after just one season at the club.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Kinnear?

O'Rourke believes Leeds will be keen for Kinnear to remain at Elland Road, particularly so soon after an alteration in the dugout.

However, the journalist feels 49ers Enterprises' growing levels of power could play a key role in Kinnear's eventual decision.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "Angus Kinnear has done a good job in the background at Leeds United, so they wouldn't want to lose him as well as Bielsa in a matter of months.

"Maybe that might point to more influence from the 49ers and the American side of things as well."

How are Leeds performing on the pitch?

A run of five defeats in six fixtures, which saw them concede 21 goals in the process, resulted in Leeds' hierarchy opting to part ways with Bielsa.

Marsch has come in as the Argentinian's replacement and he was unable to immediately turn the tide as Leicester City condemned the Whites to a 1-0 loss in the American's first match at the helm.

As a result, Leeds go into Thursday's home clash with Aston Villa sitting just two points above the Premier League's relegation zone.