Massimo Cellino linked with takeover deal at Charlton Athletic | OneFootball

Former Leeds owner Massimo Cellino may be set for a return to English football with reports that he is considering a takeover of Charlton Athletic.

The controversial Italian spent three eventful years in charge at Elland Road before selling his stake to Andrea Radrizzani in 2017.

The 63-year-old subsequently bought Serie B side Brescia in his homeland.

The club won the league and were promoted to Serie A last season, but they were propping up the table before the season was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cellino is said to be unhappy with how the health crisis has been handled by Italian authorities, and is interested in getting back into English game through the Addicks.

Charlton were mired in The Championship relegation zone, two points from safety, when English leagues ground to a halt.

The south-east London club is understood to be in dire financial straits, with owner Tahnoon Nimer finding it difficult to pay next month’s wages.

Lee Bowyer, who spent over six years as a player with Leeds between 1996 and 2003, is currently in charge at The Valley.

He may not relish the prospect of having Cellini in the boardroom.

The temperamental businessman burned through six managers during his time in West Yorkshire.