Leeds sale on HOLD - Cellino says bidders ‘not serious’

He has also claimed that he does not consider any potential buyers to be serious.

The Italian is currently awaiting an appeal over his suspension from running the club. A recent conviction for fraud meant that the Football League banned his involvement, but Cellino is allowed to run Leeds until the appeal is heard.

Cellino admitted that a vitriolic reaction towards him from United’s fans during the Blackburn Rovers clash, which Leeds lost 2-0, had made him consider his future in West Yorkshire.

He initially agreed to sell the club to Leeds Fans United, but pulled out of that deal after saying that the supporter funded group had spoken to the press too much.

He then said that six different parties had been in touch over buying the club.

One of the buyers was thought to be United fan Steve Parkin, who has reportedly held a long-term interest in purchasing the Elland Road side.

However, it was clearly not possible for the two to strike a deal. Cellino is thought to have asked him to pay a deposit in order to carry out due dilligence.

Cellino has now said that he is unwilling to sell the club until he knows Leeds will be safe in the Championship come the end of the season. The Whites are 15th in the league after two wins against Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town.