Big Birmingham City takeover claim as Taylor Richards set for move after Blues struggle

Birmingham City are set to announce that Maxi Lopez and Paul Richardson will take over the club, according to the Mirror. The claim comes after former Watford chairman Laurence Bassini spoke publicly about wanting to take control at St Andrew's.

The Mirror reckon former Barcelona striker Lopez and businessman Richardson are now poised to complete a takeover from Far East owners Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited. They say have since commenced with Lopez and Richardson after Bassini did not complete on a deal.

It is said the duo are set to do due diligence on the club’s books and that confirmation of the takeover could come this week, as per the latest reports. It would end months of speculation and uncertainty around the Championship club after the club’s shareholder Vong Pech confirmed he was selling his 21.64% stake.

Other interested parties are said to have waited in the wings while Bassini failed to complete a deal with BHSL, but it now appears Lopez and Richardson have seen them off and will take over at St. Andrew's imminently. Blues' board have proposed a £36.6 million total sale with staged payments over two years.

Aaron Mooy is set to sign for Celtic despite interest from Birmingham City and other Championship clubs intent of bringing the midfielder back to the UK. Several reports suggest the Australian is set to sign a one-year deal with the Scottish champions.

BirminghamLive understands Blues were keen on Mooy, with four other second tier sides also linked to the 31-year-old, including Middlesborough, Norwich City, Swansea and his former club Huddersfield Town.

However, Mooy has instead opted for a reunion with his compatriot and former international manager Ange Postecoglou, which would represent a return