Massimo Cellino has rebuffed an offer from Newcastle United for Ross McCormack, however could this be linked to news that Cellino will sell his interest in Cagliari to an alternative buyer after a deal with an American investment group collapsed?

Ross McCormack is not for sale!

Well not to Newcastle United, for the time being.

Leeds' owner Massimo Cellino said: “Newcastle made an offer for McCormack and I said no. He is happy to stay here and that made me proud.”

McCormack has attracted interest from top Premiership clubs and West Ham, following his 29-goal-salvo last season. Whether or not Massimo's "pride" is linked with forthcoming talks about a new contract remain to be seen? Speaking at the end of the season, McCormack who only agreed a new-deal last August appeared to hint he would stay and achieve his Premiership dream with Leeds United - if the terms were right.

Meanwhile it looks like Cellino will sell his long-term interest in Cagliari, despite a deal with an American group falling through in the 11th hour on Thursdsy.

The new owner in waiting is Italian businessman Tommaso Giulini, Cellino said: “I’ve reached an agreement with Giulini for the sale of Cagliari. The Americans were stalling and wanted another 90 days’ worth of time. I’ve accepted to sell to Giulini and the operation should be finished very soon. I wish them every success. Now my heart is in Leeds.”

It was thought that the sale of Cagliari was pivotal to Cellino's plans in putting the financial disarray in order at Elland Road.

Photo: Action Images

Bluesman1 added 08:40 - Jun 6 Good article. Someone will write a book about Cellino one day do on! In my view he is a straightforward guy in that he has plans snd aspirations snd he will work relentlessly towards them. He is very smart though, a master in psychology and brinkmanship. Such an interesting and colourful character. Leeds fans are going to have bags of fun with him in charge. He has already wrong footed the Magpies and got them bleating. People need to understand him though. He is out to win in everything he does. Particularly in deal making. He is not silly with money snd he won't be silly with the club's finances. He gets his buzz through successful deals, and that will include buying players. Let's be fair about this - there won't be any manager making deals foe Leeds and spending his money! That is what he does. The situation with Ross is hilarious if you think about it and Cellino will be sat chuckling to himself. Shrewd!

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