With the news emerging last week that Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino has been banned from football for 18 months, questions are once again being raised about his future as owner of the Elland Road club.

Never short of or far away from controversy, Cellino has enjoyed a turbulent tenure in charge of Leeds to say the least since his takeover in 2014.

With talks ongoing with Andrea Radrizzani about a potential sale of some or all of the club and now the subsequent ban of Cellino, the time may have finally come for the controversial owner to walk away from the club.

Leeds are finally making a good fist of it in the Championship this year, and optimism is as high as it has been around the club for many years under newly appointed manager Garry Monk.

With this in mind, FLW writer Lee Connor takes a look at THREE reasons why it's time for Massimo Cellino to sell up at Leeds United...

The club needs stability

Under Garry Monk, Leeds are finally playing some top class football, and look a real threat in terms of the promotion picture in the Championship.

Any off field distractions are simply not needed, and Monk will need to know that affairs off the field are in order as he looks to concentrate firmly on matters on the pitch.

With the players playing so well and confidence brimming through the side, stability off the pitch will be vital.

Funds will need to be made available in January

There is no question Cellino has backed Garry Monk in the transfer market over the summer, but selling the club now to someone willing to put investment into the team, could be crucial to the club seeing their promotion charge through.

Key to achieving anything in any league is not resting on your laurels. Leeds have made a cracking start in the first half of the season, but adding more quality in January is vital.

For this reason, Cellino should look to sell some or all of the club before the window rolls around.

The fans deserve the best available situation

The Leeds United fans are one of the most passionate bunches in the entire English game. Their unwavering support for their club and loyalty should be rewarded with honesty and the best situation off the field.

If Cellino cares about the club as much as he says he does, he will look to sell the club and place it in good hands going forward.

The Leeds fans appreciate being kept in the loop and feeling like they are being considered by the board. Selling the club now and putting it in a healthy situation going forward, would be a real boost to getting fans fully on side.