by Michelle Jones

Leeds owner Massimo Cellino’s tenure at the club has taken another disturbing twist when he told players yesterday that it is “mandatory” they live in the city.

The 57-year-old took control of the historic club in April despite being convicted of tax evasion back in March.

When he joined the club in  January his first piece of business was to sack manager Brian McDermott, only for the former boss to be reinstated days later.

McDermott has since left and has been replaced by unknown manager Dave Hockaday.

Last week star player Ross McCormack was sold to division rivals Fulham much to the displeasure of fans.

Cellino had also closed down Leeds’s training complex for nearly two months in bid to cut down costs and told players to bring in their own food once it was reopened.

And now in a “team-bonding” attempt the crazed owner has told players where they can and cannot live.

“Next season I do not want one single player who lives outside of Leeds, no way. That is mandatory,” said Cellino.

“Last year there were players who were coming late to games.

“Next year before a home game the players will stay together, have dinner together and go to the game together.

“I found out that most of the games that are close to Leeds we go to by bus, but we don’t have our own. Why not? I would love to have a Leeds bus and I am going to buy one.”

However, the owner did say the club is now debt-free and that he has struck up a deal with previous owners GFH Capital to start buying back Elland Road stadium.