Last updated on .From the section Football

The Professional Footballers' Association is investigating claims Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino ordered his head coach not to select Paddy Kenny because of his birth date.

Reports claim the Italian has made the move because he considers the goalkeeper to be bad luck external-link because he was born on 17 May.

Leeds and ex-QPR man Kenny have declined to comment on the allegations.

Cellino, who took over in April, dislikes the number 17.

Born on the 17th Other players who would fall foul of Massimo Cellino's unusual policy Carlos Alberto (July 1944) Jaap Stam (July 1972) Alvaro Recoba (March 1976) Thierry Henry (August 1977) Edin Dzeko (March 1986) Shinji Kagawa (March 1989)

He had seats at former club Cagliari taken out and replaced with 16B.

He is also unhappy with Kenny's fitness and the player has not been taken on their pre-season trip to Italy.

On Thursday, Leeds, who named former Forest Green Rovers manager Dave Hockaday as head coach last month, signed former Reading goalkeeper Stuart Taylor.

Since Cellino's takeover they have embarked upon a cost-cutting exercise that has seen the canteen at their training ground closed down.

Players have been forced to bring packed lunches and order in sandwiches.