Financial experts Deloitte estimate scale of Leeds United's revenue boost if they stay in the Premier League

They estimate that the Championship champions will earn £160m in additional revenue over the next three years, just on the basis of their promotion to the Premier League.

Andrea Radrizzani has made it clear that Leeds have ambitions beyond just staying in the top flight, but believes the club needs to walk before it runs.

The Italian has gone on record to say a three-year stay in the Premier League would be a solid foundation upon which the long term aim - challenging for European football - could be built.

Just under two thirds of the teams promoted in the 10 seasons up to 2018/19 survived their first campaign and the financial rewards for Leeds, were they to do the same, would be significant. Fresh revenue is vital for Leeds, who were hit hard by the global pandemic and the loss of revenue streams, including the removal of supporters from their final nine games of the season.

"We are already hit very badly, we probably lose £30m to 40m between this season and the beginning of the next one," said Radrizzani.

"We, unfortunately, can see the negative impact of COVID in every area: ticketing, hospitality, sponsorship sales. Already, the offer we had for shirt sponsorship before COVID and what we are about to confirm is in the region of 40 per cent lower."

Radrizzani has said further investment will be needed and confirmed it was likely to come from his company Aser, although the financial backers of the San Francisco 49ers, who own a 13 per cent stake in Leeds, have hinted at upping their investment.

The financial benefits of Premier League status are welcome for every promoted club, but this year particularly the extra revenue is essential.

Tim Bridge, director in Deloitte's sports business group, said: "The financial prize for Brentford or Fulham, as well as Leeds and West Brom, is likely to be in excess of £265m if they survive their first season in the Premier League.

"Furthermore, given the recent impact of Covid-19, it is likely that the financial impact of promotion will be better received than ever before. The increased revenue provides these clubs with the platform from which they can develop on and off the pitch.

"Promotion to the Premier League provides clubs with the financial resources to make strategic investments. While this typically includes increased expenditure in on-pitch playing talent, it still remains important that promoted clubs are committed to their longer-term financial responsibility."