Cellino reneges on selling Leeds to fans’ group

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has reversed his pledge that he would sell the club to the Leeds Fans United group.

Less than a week ago, Cellino expressed a willingness to sell his stake saying, “100% I will sell to the fans. If they want to buy it and look after the club.”

With initial discussions between the Italian and Leeds Fans United (LFU) proving amicable with a proposed £30m takeover hoping to be completed within three months, Cellino has – via his lawyers – seemingly backtracked on the deal according to a LFU statement.

Their statement read: “Leeds Fans Utd has been informed by the lawyers of Massimo Cellino that he no longer wishes to sell to Leeds fans.”

In the hope of warding off rival bidders the LFU attempted to push through an exclusivity agreement, something Cellino would refuse.

“Our insistence on him confirming his verbal offer of exclusivity in a legally binding agreement has forced transparency on his motives. It is much better that we identify this insincerity now before we spend our shareholders money,” the statement added before concluding, “we hope that Massimo will treat the club and fans with respect and honour.”

Other bidders have surfaced with long-term consortium Together Leeds, headed by businessman Mike Farnham, interested after Cellino’s inviting comments last week. While rumours surrounding former Southampton Executive Chairman Nicola Cortese has also been creating chatter in West Yorkshire.

Leeds did at least turn around their fortunes on the pitch on Tuesday night with their first home league win in eight months coming against none other than foes Cardiff City, winning 1-0 at Elland Road.