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Neil Redfearn has been at Leeds United for six years

Neil Redfearn says he has agreed a deal "in principle" with Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino to become head coach.

Academy coach Redfearn would replace the sacked Darko Milanic and be the club's third head coach this season.

Redfearn earned 10 points in four games while in caretaker charge earlier this term and is set for a 12-month rolling deal with the Championship club.

"Ideally it'll be tied up before the Cardiff game on Saturday but that's not a deal breaker," he said.

"It's a case of getting things over the line, we've agreed a deal in principle," he continued to BBC Radio Leeds.

"The main thing for me was assurances about my future and the future of the football club.

Redfearn on stepping up "I'm prepared to sacrifice myself to the club because I can see the bigger picture getting better here."

"It's got to be right and the fact that Massimo sees me as the future is important.

"He knows what he wants to do and he knows how to do it, he's a clever guy. I see what he is trying to achieve and he has got to be commended on that."

The former Barnsley midfielder, who has had three previous stints as caretaker manager of the Elland Road side, has managed Scarborough and Northwich Victoria.

The 49-year-old says he has had promises from Cellino that he will be retained by the club even if he is removed from the head coach position.

The hottest seat in football? Cellino went through 36 coaches in his 22 years as owner of Cagliari

The Italian has sacked both Dave Hockaday and Milanic after just six games in charge this season and manager Brian McDermott left by mutual consent in the summer.

"You can't guarantee anything in football and if results aren't right then things have got to change," Redfearn said.

"I'll still be part of the picture and the bigger plan and I want to be part of that.

"I'm prepared to sacrifice myself to the club because I can see the bigger picture getting better here."