Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has admitted he attempted to purchase Serie A side Salernitana this summer.
The Italian club, previously owned by Lazio chief Claudio Lotito currently finds itself embroiled in controversy if they cannot find a buyer by the New Year.
Salernitana were promoted from Serie B last season, but Lega Serie A's competition rules state that one owner cannot have a controlling stake in two clubs.
As a result, Lotito relinquished his holdings in Salernitana, placing the club into a Trust, buying the club some time to find a permanent owner as the league set several deadlines - all of which have failed to be met.
Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani did propose a purchase offer to the Trust this past summer but has revealed in a new interview, he did not receive a response: “I actually tried. Salernitana was at the centre of my summer thoughts. I made a purchase offer. I never even got an answer; not even a “No, thank you”. This is the bad of the country," he told Panorama.
It appears Radrizzani has given up in his pursuit of the Serie A side who look destined to be expelled from Italy's top flight. The team currently sit 20th, five points adrift of safety, meaning an immediate return to Serie B looks likely regardless.
However, new reports courtesy of Sportitalia suggest Radrizzani has turned his attention to Serie C (third tier) side Pescara.
"The president of Leeds Andrea Radrizzani has shown interest in Pescara," reads a tweet by journalist Luca Cilli.
"Initial contacts began with the president of the Abruzzo club Daniele Sebastiani who has been working for some time for the sale of the company."
Historically, Pescara have been a second-tier club in Italy, having been relegated last season.
During the Italian's interview with Panorama, Radrizzani also revealed his valuation of Leeds United.
"I bought it for 100 million and now it’s worth 400, and it is in the Premier League.”
Earlier this season, following renewed investment from 49ers Enterprises, it was reported that Radrizzani has the option to exercise a sale of Leeds United to the American group for a fee in excess of £400 million.
Radrizzani insisted publicly both parties have the option to void the proposed sale which is expected to go through before 2024, however it is expected that will not be the case.
49ers Enterprises increased their stake in Leeds United to 44% last month, while Radrizzani's Aser Ventures still control the majority share of 56%.
