The Suning Group released an official statement confirming its interest in a "strategic cooperation" with Inter Milan.
In the wake of "intense negotiations" with the club, the Chinese conglomerate "is expected to buy" 20% of the club's shares and agree to help it settle its debt. The business group released an official statement "which seems to confirm speculation."
The statement said, "Suning Investment Holding Group and Suning Sports are interested in a strategic cooperation with Internazionale Milano Football Club. The two parties are examining in depth the options to set up a broad partnership in the football environment and in the development of football in China, and they do not rule out the possibility of reciprocal investments" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 4/25).
Arsenal fans "are planning a coordinated protest during Saturday's home game against Norwich City to demand changes in the way the club is run."
Fan discontent "has been steadily rising at Arsenal this season as their title challenge faltered." Arsenal fan groups Red Action Gooners and the Black Scarf Movement "are now urging supporters to show their frustration" by holding up signs saying "Time for change. Arsenal is stale -- Fresh approach needed" during the Norwich game. The groups said that the protest "is not specifically aimed at manager Arsène Wenger but also at owner Stan Kroenke and the board" (ESPN, 4/26).
Officials from Liverpool and Burnley will meet on Tuesday "to settle their compensation dispute over the signing of Danny Ings."
The England int'l arrived at Anfield last summer "following the expiration of his contract with the East Lancashire club."
Ings, a 23-year-old striker, "moved under the Bosman ruling but, due to his age and their development of the player, his former club are entitled to a compensation fee" (London INDEPENDENT, 4/26).
