Birmingham takeover takes fresh twist despite Laurence Bassini's timely expectations

A former Barcelona and AC Milan striker is said to be in the running for an unlikely takeover of Birmingham City.

Maxi Lopez, an Argentine forward who spent the vast majority of his playing career in Italy, is part of a consortium looking to purchase the Championship club. Earlier this week former Watford owner Laurence Bassini said that he expected his proposed takeover to go through within the next week.

The controversial London-based businessman claims the takeover will cost £35million - just £10m of which he says will be his own money. It has now emerged that the consortium, including Lopez, businessman Christian Codoma and Blues fan Paul Richardson, are looking to rival that bid.

Centre-forward Lopez has only recently retired at the age of 38 after completing the season in Italy’s Serie C with Sambenedettese.

Lopez visited St Andrew’s in May to watch Birmingham's final day defeat to Blackburn Rovers. Lopez and Richardson - the owner of clothing brand Hera having played a part in Gymshark’s rise - haven’t pulled out of the race despite Bassini's bid appearing to lead the way.

Giving his latest update on Wednesday, Richardson said: “Maxi Lopez and I have the money and have put in an official bid of our own.”

It adds a fresh twist to the takeover chase, with Blues' fans desperate for fresh ownership after years of malaise. The club have hardly seen anything spent in transfer fees, whilst the last six seasons have seen the side finish no higher than 17th. Supporters have often vented their anger at the owners with protests taking place at regular junctures last season.

Uncertainty remains over the future of manager Lee Bowyer too, with former QPR chief Mark Warburton being lined up to replace him in the St Andrew's