Massimo Cellino will appeal against the Football League's decision to deny his proposed takeover of Leeds United, his UK lawyers have confirmed.
It was announced on Monday that Italian Cellino had failed the Football League's owners' test because of a recent tax evasion conviction in his homeland.
Cellino has until April 7 to appeal against the decision and a spokesperson for his lawyers, Mishcon de Reya, told PA: "We are preparing an appeal on behalf of Mr Cellino, but shall not be commenting further at this stage."
After Monday's refusal, Cellino insisted that he was "not a dishonest person".
The 57-year-old has bankrolled Leeds since agreeing to purchase 75% of the club last month and fans fear that the club could plunge into administration if a new owner is not found because of the money owed to the Italian.
