Italian bid on the cards for Leeds United

AN Italian businessman is reportedly in talks to acquire the majority stakeholding in Leeds United.

Andrea Radrizzani is in early stage stage talks with current 80% stakeholder Massimo Cellino to acquire his share of the club.

Cellino bought the Elland Road-based Championship side in April 2014, but has since said he regretted the decision and was looking for an owner.

Advanced talks with a Leeds fans consortium and Red Bull both fell through at the 11th hour.

Cellino has been through six managers, faced a ban from the Football League (in December 2014 which has subsequently been lifted), paid out thousands after employment tribunals and faced protests from fans over his ownership.

Former owners Gulf Finance House currently still own a minority stake of around 15% in the business but have been a silent partner for several months.

Andrea Radrizzani is a founding member of media rights company MP & Silva, which is headquartered in London and Singapore.

Born in Milan in 1974 Radrizzani received a degree in Public Relations from IULM University in 1998.

He has been involved in most of MP & Silva’s rights acquisition with the major rights holders such as English Premier League, FIFA World Cup, UEFA, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, Formula One, and the Olympic Council of Asia.

Last week rumours circled that a Chinese consortium led by Harrogate-born businessman Steve Tappin would be interested in entering negotiations for the club.