Leeds United linked Italian close to Japanese deal, Cellino reunion not going to happen

 

Former Ascoli sporting director Francesco Marroccu is close to agreeing a deal with Japanese side Sagan Tosu, according to reports in Italy. The Italian was linked with Leeds United throughout the summer, and a reunion with Massimo Cellino.

TMW have today reported Marroccu has been offered a one year deal by Sagan Tosu, and will make a decision in the coming hours.

Marroccu has been out of football since he resigned from his role at Ascoli at the end of last season after they narrowly avoided relegation. It’s expected players from Italy will now be targeted by Sagan Tosu in the summer transfer window.

Last September we covered claims from Italy Marroccu was on the verge of joining Leeds United. The former Cagliari man was seen in the stands at Elland Road, and was also reported to have attended training sessions.

Some reports even suggested he’d been officially installed as Leeds United’s sporting director.

The Italian was also linked with a reunion with Cellino in 2015. Marroccu had just resigned from his position at Cagliari after they were relegated in the 2014/15 season, but instead of coming to England to replace Nicola Salerno at Leeds United he joined up with Ascoli.