Portsmouth Owner Gaydamak Reportedly Discussing Sale Of Club

EPL Club Portsmouth In Talks For Potential US$109M Takeover

South Africa-based Central Rand Gold CEO Greg James reportedly is leading a US$109M takeover bid for English Premier League (EPL) club Portsmouth FC, according to Oliver Kay of the LONDON TIMES. James in the past week has held a "series of discussions" with Portsmouth Owner Alexandre Gaydamak and is "understood to be confident of striking an agreement to buy the club" from holding company Devondale Investments. James is being assisted by soccer agent Pini Zahavi, who "knows both men well and may be retained in a consultancy role if the bid is successful" (LONDON TIMES, 11/11).

UNITED FRONT: MLS FC Dallas Media Relations Dir German Sferra yesterday "shot down the reports linking" Hunt Sports Group Chair Clark Hunt to EPL club Newcastle United. Sferra said of the Hunt family, "There's nothing to it. They're happy with the sports investments that they currently have. They're not pursuing Newcastle or any other sports franchise at this time." Meanwhile, in L.A., Grahame Jones notes AEG Chair Philip Anschutz also has been reported to be interested in the club, but while his name has been "freely mentioned in the English press, there has been no confirmation of his interest" (L.A. TIMES, 11/11).