The situation involving John Textor and Sportsbank had gone quiet at Crystal Palace in recent weeks – until now.
Textor was expected to sell his 45% stake to Sportsbank – headed by two Crystal Palace fans in Zechariah Janjua and Navshir Jaffer – at the start of November.
However, the American’s issues at Lyon seem to have caused the situation to stagnate over in SE25 – with his French side provisionally relegated to Ligue 2 until they can cough up some cash.
Presumably, that has impacted on John Textor demanding £230m for his 45% stake at Selhurst Park – although the Daily Mail have now provided an update to clear things up.
Sportsbank still favourites to secure 45% of Crystal Palace in £230m deal
Sami Mokbel now explains that Sportsbank – who are bankrolled by Abu Dhabi and American money – will hold “crucial” talks this week as they aim to finalise the £230m deal.
It is said that Sportsbank are the most advanced of all parties interested in buying Textor’s 45% stake, and crucially, the investment group are willing to make funds available for Oliver Glasner in the January transfer window.
The Daily Mail add that Textor likes the idea of selling his 45% to a group involving two Crystal Palace supporters, and believes they do have the necessary funds to buy his stake.
However, rivals for his 45% stake are not out of the picture just yet.
The Daily Mail also mention that Stanley Tang – worth around £1.7bn – is viewed as a credible contender to buy the stake, having already registered his interest.
Steve Parish, David Blitzer and Josh Harris have also been offered the chance to buy Textor’s 45% stake themselves, but there is currently no indication that will happen.
Another group, one that involves Morgan Stanley Sports Executive Bejan Esmaili, are believed to be interested as well – although insiders believe it is Tang who is most likely to rival Sportsbank in the coming days.
Oliver Glasner and Dougie Freedman will want this situation resolved soon
It would not be ideal for this uncertainty at boardroom level to carry on into January, as we are in need of funds to ensure Glasner can bolster his squad.
Crystal Palace hold a desire to sign Rayan Cherki – while Freedman also likes Romain Esse of Millwall – although agreements will surely be more difficult to strike if nobody knows what will happen with Textor’s 45% stake.
