Leeds’s future looked a lot brighter yesterday after owner Massimo Cellino sold a 50 per cent stake in the Championship club yesterday to Italian businessman Andrea Radrizzani.

Sports media tycoon Radrizzani, 42, who entered into talks with Cellino in the summer, has acquired 50 per cent of the club’s share capital through his company Aser Group Holding with an agreement in place that he can purchase the rest of the shares in the summer if the team doesn’t get promoted to the Premier League.

Radrizzani co-founded global sports media company MP & Silva in 2004 and has strong connections in China.

“I am delighted and proud to have acquired a 50 per cent stake in such a prestigious football club as Leeds United,” Radrizzani said.

“I am excited by the challenge ahead and I will work alongside Massimo and everybody at the club to make Leeds United as successful as possible.

“I am fully aware of the great heritage and traditions of Leeds United and I will endeavour to be a fitting custodian on behalf of the many thousands of Leeds supporters, who are the lifeblood of the club.”

Speculation over the club’s future had been mounting since Cellino, 60, assumed 100 per cent control at Elland Road in September when he bought the minority stake still held by previous owner Gulf Finance House.

On the pitch, the club are on the up with Garry Monk and are currently fifth, seven points from the second automatic promotion spot.

“I am making a long-term commitment to Leeds United and will work to bring stability through ongoing investment. I aim to bring sustainable growth. I won’t do anything that will put the club’s future at risk.

“Through working in the sports industry for many years, I have developed a great passion for the English game and I am honoured to have become joint owner of one of the country’s biggest clubs.

“I am very impressed with the job Garry Monk has done this season and I will do all I can to support him and the team moving forward.

Speculation over the club’s future had been mounting since Cellino, 60, assumed 100 per cent control at Elland Road in September when he bought the minority stake still held by previous owner Gulf Finance House.

Cellino is due to start an 18-month ban from all football activities on February 1 for breaching agent rules over the sale of Ross McCormack to Fulham in 2014.

The Italian and Leeds were both fined £250,000 by the Football Association, while Cellino has already indicated he will appeal against the ruling.

If unsuccessful, Cellino’s suspension means he will not be able to return to any position at Leeds until September 1 2018.

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