Leeds United remain in limbo with regards to Massimo Cellino’s takeover after the QC chairing his appeals hearing reserved judgement on Monday.

No date was given as to when the decision will be announced, but best estimates put it towards the end of this week with journalist Simon Austin saying he’s been told not to expect a decision before Thursday.

There’s no telling what that decision will be either. The case hinges on interpretation of Massimo Cellino’s recent court case in Italy and while Cellino’s lawyers insist that under Italian law their client remains innocent until an appeal is heard, The Football League’s decision to reject the takeover was based on the outcome of that court case and they still believe it’s enough to disqualify the Italian from ownership.

If the independent QC sides with The Football League and upholds their original decision, that wouldn’t necessarily bring an end to Cellino’s attempts to take over the club as there are further stages of appeal he can consider including the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

But both parties will want to avoid that outcome, especially The Football League whose Owners’ & Directors’ test would face further scrutiny if it did reach that stage. Part of me hopes it does, just so I can hear them explain how Carson Yeung is an acceptable owner despite the fact he currently resides in a jail cell after being convicted for money laundering, but Leeds United can’t afford for this to drag on much longer.

In the meantime, The Whites take on Charlton Athletic tonight at Elland Road. Rodolph Austin will miss out through injury which should give Michael Tonge his first start for some time following an impressive appearance from the bench against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.