Italian investor Andrea Radrizzani is closing in on 100% control of League Championship side Leeds United after "positive talks" with Owner Massimo Cellino over a complete takeover, according to Phil Hay of the YORKSHIRE EVENING POST. Radrizzani and Cellino "are locked in negotiations about a deal" which is set to see Cellino relinquish his 50% share and quit Leeds United after three years in charge. The transfer of full ownership to Radrizzani "would clear a path for the Italian to address the future" of Leeds United Manager Garry Monk and begin planning for next season. Monk is "into the final weeks of the 12-month deal he signed last summer" and has not yet spoken to the club about an extension, but he and Radrizzani will reportedly hold talks this weekend. Radrizzani has spent four months as co-owner of the club after Cellino, who first purchased a majority stake in the club in '14, "diluted his equity in January" by agreeing to a 50-50 split of shares with his compatriot. A source said, "Positive talks have been held between Massimo Cellino and Andrea Radrizzani over a full takeover of the club but no deal is concluded yet." A full takeover "will see changes at boardroom level" and EPL side West Ham United Managing Dir Angus Kinnear is "in line to join Radrizzani at Elland Road" (YORKSHIRE EVENING POST, 5/3).
