Massimo Cellino: I rejected Leeds offer from big name and have no plans to sell
By Tom Blackburn
Leeds owner Massimo Cellino claims he had a takeover offer from soft drinks giant Red Bull - but has no interest in selling up while the club is making money.
The Italian took over at the club in January 2014, and has sacked six managers in the subsequent controversy-strewn two and a half years.
Disgruntled supporters have turned en masse on Cellino, with the group "Time To Go Massimo" holding regular protests.
However, Cellino is happy in his role at a club with many earning opportunities and admitted he had turned down an offer from a company who own clubs in Germany and Austria.
"I had an offer from Red Bull,” he told Italian sport website Isola 24 Sport. “But I do not want to sell, for now.
“In England football clubs earn money from their stadium, merchandising, TV rights, the public.
“It is a fluid market that allows you to sell and buy.”
Cellino has been embroiled in a number of scandals that have left him close to dismissal by the Football League.
In October 2015, it was announced by the Football League that Cellino had been disqualified as Leeds United owner for a year, for an issue regarding Italian Tax Legislation.
That ban was overturned in May of this year though, when he was acquitted of tax evasion after an appeal.
However, while Leeds fans may look at his business like attitude with dismay, there is no doubt they have one shared vision for the club.
“I want to get Leeds back to the Premier League,” he continued to Isola 24 Sport.
Current manager Garry Monk has been given the opportunity to be active in the market this summer and as he looks to continue his Elland Road revolution - with the joint goal of returning the Yorkshire giants back to the top flight of football.
Monk has made seven senior signings so far, bringing in Rob Green, Kyle Bartley, Matt Grimes, Hadi Sacko, Kemar Roofe, Antonsson and Pablo Hernandez.