Yorkshire in fresh bid for Headingley

Yorkshire are launching a fresh attempt at purchasing their home ground, Headingley, in Leeds. The club, who currently lease the ground from its landlords, Leeds Cricket, Football & Athletic Company, have been bidding for the ground for some time - but while their latest attempt is likely to be their last, this time there is cause for optimism.

The club fell £7m short of meeting the asking price set by Leeds CF&A - owned by Paul Caddick, chairman of the rugby clubs Leeds Tykes and Leeds Rhinos - of £15m earlier this year, and were forced to explore alternative methods of resolving the purchase. But, as reported in The Yorkshire Post today, talks between the club and Leeds City Council have created a renewed sense of optimism that Yorkshire's dream might finally become a reality. Although the figure is unknown, it is expected that the club will need between £12m and £15m to secure the deal and sources close to the council suggest the loan will be given the green light.

Without purchasing the ground, Yorkshire cricket faces a crossroads. Its ambitious plans - securing Headingley's Test status, redeveloping the ground and restructing the board - can only be achieved through ownership of the ground. Indeed, the pride Yorkshire fans would take in having a ground to call their own cannot be underestimated - especially at a time when interest in the club is steadily plummeting.