Cellino transfer play shows Leeds owner still has big desire for success

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Leeds owner has been quiet, but there is no disinterest on his part.

Many a Leeds fan would agree that Massimo Cellino’s time at the club has run its course, but the owner might be just as determined as ever to be a success.

Cellino has received investment from Andrea Radrizzani, a deal confirmed today by the club, but he retains 50 per cent of his stake.

The Italian is currently subject to a ban from the Football League which will begin next month, providing his appeal does not delay it.

This would ban Cellino from football related activity for 18 months, but in the mean time he appears still willing to try and help the club move forward.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino in the stands

Italian newspaper La Nuevo Sardegna reported Cellino made an approach this week to Cagliari to try and sign striker Marco Borriello, which was promptly knocked back.

Borriello, 34, may be close to being ‘over the hill’, but he is enjoying a fine season to date with 11 goals in all competitions and he is currently the club’s top scorer.

He is a player who could make a contribution to Leeds’ promotion push had he signed, but unfortunately for Leeds, Cagliari have rejected their approach.

Marco Borriello at Roma

What Cellino’s enquiry does show is that he is still active behind the scenes and is not losing interest by any stretch.

The maverick owner has been quiet this season in the press, which has only fuelled the takeover speculation, with his long term intentions unclear.

If anything this latest report indicates he appears energised by Leeds’ recent on pitch success and is making an ambitious transfer move.

It is the opposite of this time last season where Leeds’ mid-table position meant Cellino decided to save his pennies, and could not muster the interest to sign a much needed striker on deadline day despite Chris Wood’s fitness problems at the time.

Cellino could be plotting one last push before his ban kicks in and Radrizzani assumes the reins on a more permanent basis, but right now it does not appear as though he is planning to simply walk away entirely.