Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino wants the club in the Champions League when the club return to the Premier League, the Mirror reports.

The controversial owner said when he spoke to the paper that the club won't battle for relegation and will aim for the Champions League when the club return to the top tier.

The Whites were last in the competition 14 years ago and had some memorable matches, winning against AC Milan and drawing to Barcelona and Lazio when they took Europe by storm.

Leeds progressed to the quarter finals and beat Spanish side Deportivo de La Coruña and they eventually reached the semi-finals, meeting another Spanish club in Valencia but lost 3-0 on aggregate.

United supporters will have fond memories of the 2000-01 campaign with David O'Leary's side featuring the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Harry Kewell, Alan Smith and Mark Viduka.

Cellino seems to be trying to win over fans after a list of controversial decisions that the 58-year-old has made since taking over last year and is keen for a return to the top tier and Europe.

“People told me Leeds was a sleeping giant, but when I came here, the giant was dead,” The Italian told the Mirror.

“So why did I choose Leeds? I bought Leeds because I know they are better than many Premier League clubs.

“I could have bought Premier League clubs for less money than I am spending at Leeds - I want the fans to understand that.

“When we go into the Premier League, we will go into the Premier League to get to the Champions League. We will not go into the Premier League to pay our debts. We will not go into the Premier League to be relegated.”

Leeds fan... What do you make of Cellino's comments? Let us know!