Football
ESPN staff 9y

Leeds say club not for sale after reported interest from Russell Crowe

#INSERT type:image caption:GThere have been no approaches for Leeds, says chairman Andrew Umbers. END#

Leeds United chairman Andrew Umbers has said there have been no takeover approaches despite film star Russell Crowe hinting that he could be interested in buying the Championship club.

Crowe, a Leeds supporter, was asked by one of his Twitter followers whether he would be open to the idea of buying the Elland Road club, and the BBC reported that he would consider doing so if he was approached and had the backing of fans.

Leeds are owned by Eleonora Sport Limited, but president Massimo Cellino announced he would not return to the club when his Football League ban ends in April.

The League ruled that Cellino had breached its "fit and proper" ownership test after obtaining documents from an Italian court which had found the 58-year-old guilty of tax evasion.

He has sold his personal stake in the company and the club and will fight to clear his name as an independent citizen.

The BBC quoted Umbers as saying: "The club is not for sale, nor do the Cellino family wish to sell and nor have we received any approaches, contrary to reports in the press.

"Leeds United is currently being successfully restructured, rebuilt, significantly invested in, with care and planning for the longer term with the Cellino family at its heart, for the benefit of its long-suffering and passionate fans, the city and its players and staff."

Crowe owns Australian National Rugby League club South Sydney Rabbitohs.

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