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Leeds United fans react on Twitter to GFH exit, believe takeover imminent

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino watches from the stands (Reuters)
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Changes are afoot at Leeds United.

General view inside the stadium before the game - Elland RoadElland Road

A significant change has taken place in the boardroom at Leeds United, with Massimo Cellino now owning 100 per cent of the club.

Ever since his takeover in early 2014, Cellino has been only a majority shareholder, with previous owners Gulf Finance House (GFH) controlling a minority share.

The club finally announced last night via their official website that GFH are no longer involved, and Cellino’s company Eleonara Sport hold 100 per cent.

GFH Capital Director Salem PatelGFH Capital Director Salem Patel

While Cellino has plenty of detractors who would like to see him gone from Leeds, he was generally seen as an improvement on GFH, and the news they have exited the club has been widely welcomed.

Yet it has also sparked more speculation among the fan base that more developments are around the corner.

General view of a protest against Leeds owner Massimo Cellino before the matchGeneral view of a protest against Leeds owner Massimo Cellino

The BBC reported just under a month ago that Italian investor Andrea Radrizzani was holding talking about buying a stake in the club.

Businessman Steve Tappin also last week described Leeds as the perfect club for Chinese investors to buy, writing on Linked In, hoping to drum up support from abroad for a takeover.

In light of these potential moves, the timing of the buyout of GFH’s stock is intriguing, and removes one notable complication for Cellino if he is seeking to sell up.

Here is a look at how fans reacted to the news…