Eagle-eyed Leeds United fans this morning spotted news Steve Parkin has sold 4% of Clipper Logistics, the haulage firm he founded and built into a multi-million pound giant, for over £10m.

Parkin has been linked with Leeds United takeover and investment moves several times in the past and with Leeds continuing to struggle under controversial owner Massimo Cellino, it didn’t take long for fans to put two and two together.

There were reports of Steve Parkin preparing a move in November when Massimo Cellino described the Clipper Logistics owner as a ‘nice man’ he’d be happy to do business with, before asserting that a bond would be required before due diligence could take place. There’s also been reports of Parkin and Cellino spotted together at recent games, further fuelling speculation.

Parkin himself has remained fairly tight-lipped when speculation has linked him with the club, but he did confirm his interest back in 2013.

“I would love to be able one day to put something into Leeds United, whether that’s to own it or be a director or just a beneficiary. You can never say never.”

“I would like to think I could put something in to enable it to thrive again.”

Cellino has come in for increased criticism from fans recently after a surcharge was added to tickets in the South Stand, in a move angry Whites fans have dubbed ‘pie tax’. A disappointing transfer market did little to relieve the pressure on Leeds’ owner and with a potential ban still hanging over him (postponed until an FA arbitration panel make a ruling), Massimo is sure to be tempted by any exit opportunity.