Man City to entertain potential Russian investors

MANCHESTER CITY are using tomorrow’s visit of Roman Abramovic’s Chelsea to entertain Russian clients they hope will later become investors in their club.

While there is no suggestion the three high-ranking officials from triple Russian title-winners Torpedo Metallurg want to launch an Abramovic-style takeover of the Blues, their visit is part of the global strategy of chief executive Alastair Mackintosh aimed at bringing new funds into the club. Stadium construction and youth development are among the subjects of most immediate interest to Torpedo president Yuri Belous.

With interest in Premiership soccer rising markedly in Russia since Abramovic bought Chelsea, Mackintosh will wish to see the level of potential involvement from Torpedo backed by a major benefactor thought to be the Norlisk Nickel corporation, responsible for 25% of the world's nickel stocks.