Mittal silent on takeover reports

Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal is remaining tight-lipped regarding his emergence as a possible contender to buy Birmingham.

A representative of the steel magnate offered no comment to suggestions he was about to join a bidding war with a mystery Far East businessman for control of Blues.

Mittal has a personal fortune of nearly £20billion and has made initial inquiries about the possibility of buying City from David Sullivan and David and Ralph Gold for around £50m.

He has still to decide whether to firm up his interest but his Far East rival is due to arrive in Birmingham by the weekend when he will make his mind up whether to table a formal bid.

There is also speculation that former City player Ray Ranson and his consortium could be about to enter the race.

Ranson had attempted to buy Aston Villa two years ago but saw his efforts halted by then chairman and major shareholder Doug Ellis.

Birmingham manager Steve Bruce is pressing ahead with his transfer plans despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of the club.

He has signed Fabrice Muamba and Stuart Parnaby and had a joint £5m bid rejected by West Brom for Jason Koumas and Diomansy Kamara.