Leeds United news: Possible new owner Andrea Radrizzani pictured at Elland Road watching Leeds United’s defeat to Newcastle

LEEDS UNITED may have lost to runaway leaders Newcastle United yesterday – but fans will be buoyed by the sighting of a potential new owner.

Italian TV rights mogul Andrea Radrizzani, who is widely rumoured to be in takeover talks with fellow countryman Massimo Cellino, was clearly spotted in an executive box at Elland Road.

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More than 36,000 were in attendance, but the bespectacled Radrizzani and his associate were clearly visible watching the 2-0 defeat, taking photos on his phone.

He founded MP & Silva, an international sports agency that provides media rights distribution, digital and technology services, and sponsorship consultancy.

The Follow me and Leeds United blog spotted him in the main West stand at the famous stadium, sitting behind Leeds accounts man Richard Umbers – brother of former club chairman Andrew.

He went largely unnoticed by fans around him as Rafa Benitez’s Magpies emerged victorious in a clinical 2-0 win thanks to Dwight Gayle’s two goals.

It was reported earlier this month that Radrizzani was in England for talks, and cryptically tweeted last week: “One step closer… but need more time.”

He was spotted at the start of this season in another box at the ground with unpopular owner Cellino, who is the subject of a campaign to oust him from the club.

Reuters

Cellino is waiting for the result of an FA charge against him for an alleged bung involved in the transfer of striker Ross McCormack from Leeds to Fulham in 2014.