Talks between Football Federation Australia and a "wealthy Chinese businessman" over the sale of A-League side Newcastle Jets "appear to have stalled," according to Ray Gatt of THE AUSTRALIAN. FFA officials and millionaire Martin Lee held "lengthy discussions that went from mid-morning until last night" with both parties believed to be "far apart" in terms of a number of conditions and the sale price. It is believed FFA is asking for A$7M ($5.3M) but Lee, who attended the meeting with his financial advisers, is prepared to pay only around A$5M ($3.8M) for the "embattled" club at this stage. The parties "are expected to resume discussions this morning." It is understood Lee "is one of several parties interested in the club." Lee, who has "looked over the Jets’ facilities twice previously," is eager to expand his football interests. His company, Ledman Optoelectronic, owns Renren FC, which plays in the Chinese second division. He "also sponsors the Portuguese second division." FFA did not mention Lee’s name, "but confirmed it had held talks with an interested party" on Tuesday and was "talking to other interested parties" (THE AUSTRALIAN, 3/23).
