STEVE Parkin could be in the market to take over Leeds United in the summer.

Guiseley's co-owner has been linked with the Elland Road club in the past – indeed as recently as

last November – but there has been renewed speculation in the light of him selling four per cent of Clipper Logistics, the haulage firm that he founded and built into a multi-million pound giant.

Parkin's potential interest would be welcomed by a lot of Leeds fans with them continuing to struggle under Massimo Cellino.

There were reports of Parkin preparing a move in November when Cellino described him as a nice man he’d be happy to do business with, before asserting that a bond would be required before due diligence could take place.

There have also been reports of Parkin and Cellino being spotted together at recent games, which has only added to the interest.

Parkin has remained fairly tight-lipped when speculation has linked him with the club, but he did confirm his interest in 2013.

He said then: “I would love to be able one day to put something into Leeds United, whether that’s to own it or be a director or just a beneficiary. You can never say never.

“I would like to think I could put something in to enable it to thrive again.”

Cellino has come in for increased criticism from fans recently after a surcharge was added to tickets in the South Stand, in a move angry Whites fans have dubbed ‘pie tax’.

A disappointing transfer market did little to relieve the pressure on Leeds’ owner and with a potential ban still hanging over him (postponed until an FA arbitration panel make a ruling), Massimo is sure to be tempted by any exit opportunity.