George Soros - Preparing Roma Bid

[all_funkt_up]

Interesting this. Soros is the chap who contributed to Britain's withdrawl from the ERM and contributed to Black Wednesday back in the 90's. I remember it vaguely from Politics lectures years ago and anyway, he's after buying Roma apparently.

By Giles Mole
Last Updated: 6:31pm BST 08/04/2008

American billionaire George Soros could complete his takeover of Roma by the end of the week, according to reports in Italy.

Italian media has suggested for several weeks now that the Giallorossi would be sold due to the club's parent company, Italpetroli, accumulating debts in the region of £300 million.

Numerous declarations have been released to the media stating Roma president, Franco Sensi, will not be selling.

However, it is reported that Rothschild Bank, who are representing Soros, will meet with the Sensi family's legal team straight after Roma's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow night.

If talks are productive, Soros is expected to launch an immediate takeover bid.

In a similar situation to that at Manchester United, Roma's fans have publically voiced their disapproval that the club may come under the ownership of a foreigner, although Soros has attempted to quell the unrest by speaking in glowing terms of club talisman Francesco Totti.

Soros said: "Totti is simply a phenomenon. I like him very much."

This, though, is unlikely to boost his popularity rating amongst supporters, whose focus at present is the United match on Wednesday.

Roma will be without Totti, who also missed the first leg, but have Manchester-born midfielder Simone Perotta available after a one-match suspension.

Mirko Vucinic is expected to lead the attack with Amantino Mancini and Rodrigo Taddei playing just behind. David Pizarro is favourite to stand in for Alberto Aquilani, as the Italian international midfielder still isn't 100 per cent fit.

George Soros prepares to make Roma bid - Football News - Telegraph