The Italian midfielder's move to Leeds was said to be confirmed by then-side Cagliari.
Andrea Tabanelli has been quoted by Italian outlet TRN News that he almost joined Leeds United on loan from Serie A outfit Cagliari in January 2014, only for a move to be eventually blocked.
Massimo Cellino became the club's owner back in 2014 after buying a majority stake in the club, with the 'King of Corn' swapping Cagliari for Yorkshire. He became the latest in the club's string of controversial owners.
Cagliari confirmed themselves on February 1 2014 that 28-year-old midfielder Tabanelli had joined Leeds on loan, with the Independent even reporting that the Italian midfielder had moved to Elland Road.
But the move was not sanctioned by the Football League, reasons being that Cellino's takeover was not yet complete and a deal had not been rubber stamped before the deadline, according to the Daily Mail.
Tabanelli, who now plays for Serie B side Lecce and has impressed this season, spoke of how he almost joined Leeds before reports stated that a move did not materialise.
"The transfer in January was 2014," Tabanelli said. "But the owner Cellino, who had bought Leeds, wanted to take me to England right away. Together with me he had in mind to also transfer Gianluca Festa.
"But nothing came of it. At the end of the season I returned to Cesena and unfortunately the troubles began."
Festa was reportedly expected to replace Brian McDermott in the dugout, with Cellino wanting former Middlesbrough defender Festa to sit in the dugout in a clash against Ipswich though McDermott was still in charge. The latter remained until May 2014.
Tabanelli, who came through the ranks at Cesena, has got his career back on track after Gennaro Gattuso had to convince the colossal midfielder to continue playing despite a number of injuries. He is now impressing in Italy's second tier.
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