Multi-Billionaire targets Birmingham

One of the world's richest men has reportedly expressed an interest in buying Birmingham City - just days before Carson Yeung is expected to miss the deadline for his takeover attempt.

Russian oil magnate Vagit Alekperov, ranked by Forbes magazine as the 48th richest man on the planet with a net worth of $12.6 billion, has made contract through a third party and the club now want to see whether the approach is genuine, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper report that Blues managing director Karen Brady has confirmed an inquiry has been made. Meanwhile, Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung's proposed takeover is set to collapse within days.

Yeung is unlikely unable to complete his attempted before Friday (Dec 21) - a deadline imposed by the club's board - and last week the Daily Mirror reported that he had "told associates in the Far East that he will be unable to make any further payments for shares in the club before Christmas."

Alekperov, who is the president of LUKOIL, was linked with Spurs in May but it is was reported Daniel Levy had no intention of handing over control at White Hart Lane.

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