Massimo Cellino agrees to sell Leeds United to fans’ group

United would be the highest-placed English club to be owned by their fans

Massimo Cellino is reported to have reached an agreement in principle to sell to Leeds Fans United (Getty)

The Leeds United owner, Massimo Cellino, has agreed in principle to sell his majority share in the club to supporters’ group Leeds Fans United. The Italian, who is appealing against a Football League ban, met with fans yesterday and said he would sell without making a profit.

Cellino told BBC Radio Leeds: “One hundred per cent I will sell to the fans, if they want to buy it and look after the club. The fans are the only asset the club has.”

The supporters’ group tweeted: “Leeds Fans Utd has today reached agreement in principle with Massimo Cellino to purchase a majority stake in Leeds United Football Club.”

Leeds Fans United was launched in April with the aim of buying a minority stake in the club and securing representation on the board.

Adam Pope of BBC Radio Leeds said: “There is a real malcontent around the club at the moment. He’s done some good in his time there but I believe the time is right for a change. I’ve spoken to Leeds Fans United and I don’t know how much money there is there now, but I know that there are people willing to back their initiative.”

Many supporters called on Cellino, who took over at Leeds last year, to quit after Thursday’s 2-0 home defeat by Blackburn Rovers left them 18th in the Championship. He recently made Steve Evans his sixth manager in 18 months.

United would be the highest-placed English club to be owned by their fans.

Earlier this week, Cellino said his tenure at Leeds had been “a nightmare”. He added: “I’m sad and embarrassed. My dream was to do my best but I’ve achieved nothing. I’m trying to protect the club but at the same time it means I have exposed myself. The result is that fans say, ‘Massimo, it’s time to go’. So I ask myself what am I doing here? The Football League say I’m dishonest. It’s a weird feeling. I thought I could do better but the pressure is too much.”