Several parties remain in City race

Manchester City remain in talks with ’a number’ of different parties over a potential buyout of the Barclays Premiership club.

Erroneous speculation has surfaced in the far east that favoured candidate, former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has already lodged a formal bid for the Eastlands outfit.

Although talks between Shinawatra and the Blues are at an advanced stage – to such an extent he was shown around the club’s Carrington training complex on Monday – as yet there has been no bid.

Any offer would have to be lodged with the Stock Exchange, although with due diligence almost complete Shinawatra is expected to make a move in the next few days.

However, while City chairman John Wardle is broadly supportive of Shinawatra’s ownership, which it is thought would keep most of the current management structure in place and bring in former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri as Stuart Pearce’s replacement as manager, the Thai is not the only prospective buyer the club are talking to.

Discussions, albeit through third parties, are believed to be continuing with former player Ray Ranson, while the un-named American consortium, who were touted as favourites to buy a majority stake in the club before Shinawatra declared his interest, are still believed to be keen on continuing negotiations.