RED BULL have made their first move into English football by purchasing a minority stake in Leeds.

The soft drinks company has a huge foothold in sports with successful racing and football teams.

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They own RB Leipzig in Germany, Salzburg in Austria and MLS side New York Red Bulls as well as a winning F1 race team.

But now they are set to make a move into English football with an investment which will see it join Leeds’ existing ownership group.

An online statement read: “Leeds United is proud to announce a new multi-year agreement with Red Bull, making them the club’s front of shirt partner starting next season.”

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe: “I am thrilled that Red Bull is joining us to build a bright future for Leeds United and shares our deep respect for this truly special club.

“As Chairman, our consortium of investment partners will be invaluable to me as we approach this important moment for the club, now and into the future.

“Red Bull’s addition is a historic milestone that will further empower the club to reach its full competitive potential.”

Leeds are run by 49ers Enterprises, the private equity arm of the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise.

They joined Elland Road as minority shareholders in 2018 before purchasing 100 per cent control from Andrea Radrizzani last year.

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Earlier this month SunSport revealed Hollywood star Will Ferrell was the latest high-profile figure to add his name to the list of Leeds investors.

Another Hollywood A-lister and fellow Leeds investor is Russell Crowe, who watched the side on Match of the Day while he was growing up in New Zealand.

Ferrell – who has an estimated net worth of £127million and is co-owner of Los Angeles FC – enjoyed a whistle-stop tour of English football last season.

He formed an unlikely friendship with England star Jack Grealish during a surprise TV appearance at the Etihad last February.

He also saw League Two club Wrexham – co-owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney – beat Wealdstone 3-1 on the same trip, enjoying a pint in the pub before the game.

Red Bull and Ferrell’s investment come after Leeds suffered play-off heartache losing in the final to Southampton to remain in the Championship.