Cagliari sale should help Cellino tackle debt at United

Cellino met with the US buyers, fronted by Italian businessman Luca Silvestrone, in Miami on Tuesday afternoon, with a reported 64million-Euro deal brokered, which is now just awaiting the final signatures from all parties.

Completion of the sale would enable Cellino to concentrate firmly on matters at Leeds, whose monthly wages for playing and general staff are due to be paid tomorrow.

United, the subject of a winding-up order over a £950,000 loan, with the petition to be heard in court on June 9, are reportedly losing around £1m a month with daily running costs over £100,000 and it remains unclear if the club’s wages will be paid on time tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Rotherham United manager Steve Evans has started planning for Championship life by releasing seven players – and making another two available for transfer.

Evans, fresh from the Millers’ League One play-off final win over Leyton Orient, has freed Scott Shearer, Claude Davis, Michael O’Connor, David Noble, Lionel Ainsworth, Danny Schofield and Kayode Odejayi.

David Worrall and Danny Hylton have been made available for transfer, while the out-of-contract trio of Kari Arnason, Wes Thomas and Wes Thomas offered fresh terms.

Mitch Rose, Nicky Walker, Tony Thompson, Daniel Rowe and Reece Lucas have all been awarded development contracts.

Meanwhile, the Millers could face White Rose competition from Huddersfield Town in their pursuit of Newcastle United defender James Tavernier.

The Bradford-born right-back, who excelled during a loan spell with the Millers, has a year left on his Magpies deal and will discuss his future with Alan Pardew shortly.

Town have been linked with moves for Coventry City goalkeeper Joe Murphy and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alex Pritchard.

Sheffield United defender Harry Maguire remains high on the wanted list of Wolves, who have lodged a bid.

But the young centre-half, who has another year left on his Bladed deal, is expected to take time to consider his options and won’t rush any decisions.