Leeds owner Massimo Cellino holds press conference with Adam Pearson

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino insists the West Yorkshire club is not for sale.

At a press conference today the Italian also cast fresh doubt over the future of manager Neil Redfearn and set a promotion deadline of 2017.

John Shires reports:

Today's Leeds United press conference took a bizarre twist when Massimo Cellino decided to leave the room for a cigarette break, leaving director Adam Pearson to face the media alone.

"What we are trying to do is put things in place and make sure we don't make mistakes again," Pearson said.

Asked if Redfearn, without contact in 12 days, had been cut adrift, Pearson added:

"He hasn't been cut adrift. I would encourage Massimo to do things that he sees fit. He does things that he thinks are right for the football club. I would ask you to give him more time."

• Cellino will not sell Leeds and refuses to back manager

Massimo Cellino says he will sell Leeds United if the club is not promoted to the Premier League by 2017.

"We have to start fixing this club. It is a sleeping giant but it will take time to fix it. I want to be in the Premier League," he told reporters at a press conference.

Speaking alongside new club director Adam Pearson, Cellino said the club is not for sale at the moment - and admitted he isn't sure if Neil Redfearn is the right man to take the club forward.

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino has cast doubt over the future of manager Neil Redfearn by claiming he isn't sure whether he is the right man for the job.

Cellino told reporters in press conference:

"Who put Redfearn in that position? Me. Who wants Neil to succeed more than anyone? Me. It was my choice.

"I took the risk but I don't know what's happened in the last 10 games. No-one called me.

"Is Neil best for the future? Are you sure that he's good or is it that you're a coward with the fans because you won't change it.

"I have to find the right coach for this club and not because I want to please the fans for 15 days."

He was speaking alongside new club director Adam Pearson.

Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has told reporters the club is not for sale, admitting that it's time to fix the club 'once and forever'.

In a joint press conference with new director Adam Pearson, he said Pearson is the 'right man' for the club.