Ex-Thai PM to see City's books

Updated 09.43 Thu May 03 2007

Keywords: Premiership, Thaksin Shinawatra, football, sport, Manchester City

The prospect of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra taking over Manchester City has moved a step nearer after he was granted access to the club's accounts.

His accountants are to complete due diligence at the City of Manchester Stadium club before advising their client whether to make a formal bid for the blue half of Manchester.

The London Stock Exchange was told: "Dr Thaksin confirms that he and his advisers have made an indicative proposal that may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company"

The London Stock Exchange has been told "an indicative proposal" has been made to City in the wake of reports at the weekend linking the former Thai premier with a near-£100 million bid for the club.

A spokesman said: "Dr Thaksin Shinawatra notes certain recent press articles regarding the possibility of an offer being made for Manchester City.

"Dr Thaksin confirms that he and his advisers have made an indicative proposal that may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company."

Three years ago Thaksin, who is currently living in London after being ousted from office in a military coup last year, had a £65 million bid to buy Liverpool turned down.

At the time the Merseysiders were also condemned by groups such as Amnesty International for entering into negotiations with him due to his human rights record as prime minister.

But it would appear that he is the preferred option given the reluctance among senior figures within the City hierarchy to negotiate with former player Ray Ranson.