Serie A side Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini said that negotiations to sell the club to a group of Chinese investors are progressing, although the club's "form is not helping," according to Ben Gladwell of ESPN.com. Palermo is four points from safety with "almost a third of the season gone and the threat of relegation is scaring off potential investors, though Zamparini is determined to sell the club and hopes it will happen sooner rather than later." He said, "I'm looking to sell to the Chinese and I've been in negotiations with them for four or five months. I've also had negotiations with Americans, but I seriously want to sell the club -- I'm 75 now. It's been two years that I've been looking for somebody to take Palermo, not to make money but so that there can be investment in the club and some strong hands to carry the club forward. In the meantime, I will not be giving up." Zamparini believes it is "necessary for Palermo's future" that he finds the club new owners. Zamparini admits negotiations "are dragging on, though, having received offers in July." He said, "It's going slowly both for the way they work and for the league position Palermo are in. Being second bottom can also determine the market value of the club because nobody would be interested in buying a Palermo in Serie B" (ESPN.com, 11/8).
