Leeds United Owner Massimo Cellino is close to ending his "controversial 18-month tenure" in charge of the club, according to Tom Sheen of the London INDEPENDENT. Lifelong fan and multi-millionaire Steve Parkin is said to have made a £30M ($45.7M) takeover move for the club, "with his lawyers sent in to check the details at Elland Road." The Italian is "deeply unpopular" with the staff and fanbase, and wants out because he is "tired of opposition from supporters; he no longer attends matches." Cellino has insisted that the club is in good condition, with a "healthy" balance sheet. Cellino: "Steve Parkin is a nice man, he loves Leeds. If he wants to talk, he can talk to my lawyers" (INDEPENDENT, 11/11). In London, David Anderson reported a deal with Parkin is "imminent." He previously considered buying Leeds a decade ago, "but pulled out after inspecting the club's books during due diligence." The former miner, who made his fortune through the Clipper Group logistics company, "has gone on record saying his dream is to own the Elland Road side." Parkin: "I would love to be able one day to put something into Leeds United, whether that's to own it or be a director or just a beneficiary. You can never say never" (DAILY MIRROR, 11/10).
