Leeds ' sporting director Nicola Salerno has resigned , the club 's disqualified owner Massimo Cellino is reported to have confirmed . The 58-year-old Italian 's departure comes six days after Leeds ' assistant head coach Steve Thompson was suspended . Cellino , banned from having any executive influence at Elland Road until May 4 due to a tax conviction in Italy , told the Yorkshire Evening Post : 'He resigned . I 'm not there so I do n't know why . Nicola Salerno ( right ) has resigned from his role as Leeds United 's sporting director . ' I wanted him to stay and speak about it first when I got back to Leeds but he made the decision . This is the situation . ' Salerno , who worked with Cellino at his previous club Cagliari , has been reported in Italy to be lined up to become sporting director at Serie A club Palermo . Leeds United assistant manager Steve Thompson ( left ) was been suspended by the club last week . Thompson 's suspension has left manager Neil Redfearn considering his future at Elland Road . He arrived at Elland Road last summer following the completion of Cellino 's club takeover in March last year . When Leeds were contacted they were unable to comment on the matter . It is understood Salerno was responsible for the departure of Thompson , who joined Leeds as head coach Neil Redfearn 's assistant in December . Thompson has made no comment since his suspension and is currently consulting with the League Managers ' Association .
Disqualified owner Massimo Cellino confirms Nicola Salerno 's departure . Announcement comes six days after assistant coach was suspended . Salerno understood to be responsible for Steve Thompson suspension . Italian has been linked with sporting director 's job at Palermo in Italy .