The chief executive of the fans' group planning to wrestle control of Leeds United from Massimo Cellino has revealed that he expects an exclusivity agreement to be put in place.
That will prevent the Italian owner from working on a separate deal without the group, allaying the concerns of many who felt that may be the case.
Cellino announced last week that he is willing to sell the Yorkshire outfit to supporters following a turbulent spell at the Elland Road helm, culminating in the Football League's decision to bar him from running the club under its owners' and directors' test.
Dylan Thwaites, the leading member of Leeds Fans United, has now moved to clarify the uncertainty surrounding the potential buy-out of Cellino's controlling shares of United.
"Massimo was absolutely clear that he was only selling to fans," he said in a statement. "Indeed, when we asked if we could involve any of the other third parties we have been working with, he was adamant that he would only sell to Leeds fans.
"This clearly gives us an exclusive position. Of course, as professionals we need this signing and we expect to have that shortly. It's Leeds United, there are always rumours. Massimo is in London having a few days with his family, it is entirely reasonable for him to see old friends and talk about Leeds United.
"But I think it would be crazy for anyone to seek to steal this deal from the Leeds fans. The level of hostility generated would be a death blow to any sensible bid plan."
Former Southampton chief Nicola Cortese has previously been linked with a bid to buy Leeds.
