Tom Brady invests in Championship rivals Birmingham City

NFL legend Tom Brady has followed the 49ers – the team he supported as a boy – into the Championship by purchasing a minority stake in Leeds United rivals Birmingham City.

Brady, who won a record seven Super Bowl titles before announcing his retirement earlier this year has partnered with Blues’ new owners Knighthead Capital Management LLC and will take on a position as chairman of a new advisory board for the team.

“Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion, and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me,” Brady said. “BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our Second City club second to none.

“I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham.”

Leeds United’s ownership group 49ers Enterprises have a number of high profile athletes in their number, including Michael Phelps, Jordan Spieth and Russell Westbrook.

Newsome tells Leeds United best chance of promotion is now

Leeds United’s best chance of returning to the Premier League is this season because of the parachute payments they will receive after falling out of the top flight.

That is the view of former Whites title winner Jon Newsome, who has warned his old club that signings are ‘needed urgently in every position’.

So far, Leeds have signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielder Ethan Ampadu, while defender Sam Byram has been training with the club and has featured during pre-season.

But they have also lost 10 senior players this summer and while there are a number of talented youngsters coming through the ranks, the Whites need reinforcements if they are to lodge a serious promotion tilt.

Luis Sinisterra drops stay hint

Luis Sinisterra has quashed any talk of an immediate exit from Leeds United with his aims to get the Whites promoted back to the Premier League. The Colombian international is one of a number of key players linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer.

Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan have been tentatively linked with a move for the former Feyenoord man, but as things stand, the Whites are yet to receive an offer. Sinisterra arrived last summer as a replacement for Raphinha, who had left for a dream move to Barcelona.

The Colombian showed glimpses of quality last season, but his campaign was blighted by injury problems. Sinisterra still managed to score seven times in 22 games with Colombian press now claiming the 24-year-old will stay at the club this summer.

Daniel Farke has started the Colombian star in all four of Leeds United’s pre-season games against Manchester United, Monaco, Forest and Hearts. The winger is in prime position to start this weekend’s Championship curtain-raiser against Cardiff City.