Birmingham City news LIVE: Latest updates as Laurence Bassini ‘close’ to takeover

Rival bidders

Paul Richardson has released a statement following news of a breakthrough in Birmingham City’s takeover saga. BirminghamLive has spoken to both Richardson and the man who claims to have won the race, former Watford chairman Laurence Bassini.

Bassini is claiming contracts have been exchanged on a £35million deal that will see the club change hands in two stages. He also insists that deal includes St Andrew’s, which is in dire need of repairs with large sections of the ground closed to supporters.

But Bassini’s offer was not the only one on the table with Blues fan Paul Richardson, owner of the Hera clothing company and former director of Gymshark, also keen to buy out the current owners alongside ex-Barcelona player Maxi Lopez.

Reacting to the Bassini claim Richardson has issued the following statement on behalf of Lopez and himself: “We put in a very good offer which met all of their criteria including the two-part deal over two-and-a-half years. Our offer was conditional until 5pm this evening (Monday, June 13) and as yet we have had no official acknowledgement as to whether it has been accepted or not.”

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