Sheffield United: The two businessmen who could pick up Kevin McCabe’s baton

Details of the discussions between Checketts and Pace, previously wht MLS franchise's interim president, were revealed again at the High Court yesterday after first surfacing last week.

The talks between the duo and McCabe first came to light during the hearing which will decide if McCabe or Prince Abdullah gains sole control of the Premier League club following the collapse of the partnership they established in 2013, when the Saudi Arabian acquired 50 per cent of United's parent company Blades Leisure Limited. (BLL).

McCabe, who has been involved with United for over two decades, recently admitted he wants to "pass on the baton" if he wins the proceedings in London, sparked when both he and Prince Abdullah launched rival takeover attempts for BLL two years ago.

Earlier this month, The Star revealed McCabe's search for fresh investment should his bid receive the green light has focused increasingly on North America after initially beginning in China.

Pace and Checketts, who used an investment vehicle entitled ALK Capital LLC during their negotiations with McCabe, boast associations with Real with the latter's investment and consultancy service establishing the team in 2004. Checketts has also worked with the Detroit Pistons basketball team and previously served as the chief executive of a firm which owned the New York Rangers and the New York Knicks.

Pace is now head of sales and client solutions for the Prime Finance, Futures and Securities Services division at Citi, a multinational bank investment bank whose headquarters are in New York.

He once served as Real's interim president, and also worked with Checketts developing the Utah-based outfit's relationship with Real Madrid and various media rights acquisitions.