Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani could walk away from Elland Road by the end of the year as the Whites prepare to enter a new era, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Italian purchased a 50 per cent share of the Yorkshire giants in January 2017 and bought out co-owner Massimo Cellino later that year, but it appears he is set to walk away in the not-too-distant future.

What's the latest news involving Leeds' ownership?

The Athletic revealed last December that 49ers Enterprises have a deal in place to buy Leeds for in excess of £400million.

The report suggests the NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers' investment arm are set to gain 100 per cent control of the Whites by January 2024, meaning Radrizzani will not be the leading voice behind-the-scenes for much longer.

Leeds’ link-up with the United States-based group emerged when 49ers Enterprises became minority shareholders in May 2018.

Paraag Marathe, the group’s president, was then appointed as the Whites’ vice-chairman after their stake increased to 37 per cent 14 months ago.

Radrizzani currently owns 56 per cent of the Whites’ assets after 49ers Enterprises' number of shares rose to 44 per cent following negotiations last November.

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What has Dean Jones said about the situation?

Jones has hinted Radrizzani, 47, could relinquish control of Leeds in a matter of months.

The transfer insider feels 49ers Enterprises' financial backing will start to be felt by enabling Whites head coach Jesse Marsch to make big-money signings.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think we'll start to see more investment start to come into the club from the following January transfer window.

"I'm not sure exactly with Radrizzani, but look out for it on the back of the summer because I think we should hopefully be a little clearer by the end of the year."

Who are the key voices behind-the-scenes at the moment?

Radrizzani is joined on the Leeds board of directors by Marathe, Angus Kinnear, Peter Lowy, Massimo Marinelli and Sandro Mencucci.

Although he was installed as the Yorkshire outfit's vice-chairman last January, 49ers Enterprises president Marathe has been a key backroom voice since 2018.

He currently exercises 49ers Enterprises’ voting rights, but it seems to only be a matter of time before the American group will have more of a say on matters at Elland Road.

Kinnear may not be at the club for much longer in any event as Leeds Radar recently claimed he is set to resign as their managing director at the end of the season.