Indonesian billionaire Erick Thohir "is close to clinching a deal" to buy a majority stake in Inter Milan, according to Agnieszka Flak of REUTERS. Citing a source with knowledge of the talks, Thohir and Inter Milan Owner Massimo Moratti "have been in talks about a potential deal for months." The source said that "Thohir expected to conclude a deal before the start of the Italian Serie A club season," which kicks off on Aug. 24. The source said, "They are still negotiating, but expect to finish the deal before Serie A starts." Daily La Repubblica said on Wednesday that Thohir may have offered up to €350M ($463M) for a 75% stake in the club, while sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport previously mentioned a figure of about €300M ($395M). The two papers said that "Thohir would be heading to Milan in the next few days," although neither Moratti nor the 43-year-old Indonesian media and entertainment magnate could be reached for comment. Thohir, asked about previous reports he had agreed to pay €300M for a 75% stake in the club, said in a text message, "Not yet, wish me luck" (REUTERS, 7/24).
