The deal is close-very close. I'm told that the main deal is agreed, and has been for several weeks, in principle at least. The finer details are what is delaying things, with the level of Massimo Cellinos involvement to be completely agreed. Talks have discussed a 50-50 split, a smaller share for MC, a staggered buy out and a full takeover. At the minute, those details, I'm told, are close to becoming finalised. What is crystal clear is that Radrizzani will be involved, either as owner, part owner, or high investor. Cellino has known for a year that he needs financial help, and was seeking investment, however the terms of this was what scared people off, not just the 'books'. As time has passed MC has altered his demands as he knows he cannot continue to run the club in its current format-however, he still wants some involvement as he sees huge potential..
what Radrizzani brings to the table is not yet clear. He is playing his cards close to his chest and I haven't got any information about his plans at all. He is a very wealthy man, but would he be willing to invest the vast majority of his finances to take us forward. The talk of chinese 'support' is the likely avenue..
Without putting a timescale on it, we are approaching the end game-it should have happened last month, but some complications came up-the deal will go ahead though, just a matter of when not if..