Fresh twist in Birmingham City takeover saga as Marcelo Bielsa claims made

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Reports in Argentina claim that Maxi Lopez's consortium is "one step away" from completing a deal to buy Birmingham City from under the nose of Laurence Bassini.

The former Barcelona player has teamed up with Blues fan Paul Richardson to front a takeover bid by Argentine businessman Christian Codoma. According to Companies House he is the director of investment management company Maxco Capital.

Argentine outlet La Nacion claim that sources "very close" to Lopez have confirmed to them that the investment group is closing in on a deal "within the next few hours". The group "plan" on acquiring the shares of Chinese businessman Paul Suen, the largest shareholder in Birmingham City through parent company Birmingham Sports Holdings Limited (BSHL).

Maxi Lopez reportedly already has a blockbuster candidate in mind to be the next Birmingham City manager if his takeover bid is successful.

The former Barcelona player's 'wish' is to replace head coach Lee Bowyer with Marcelo Bielsa. That's according to Argentine reporter Hernán Feler for D Sports Radio.

This is all conditional on Lopez completing a deal to takeover Birmingham City. The 38-year-old, who only retired from professional football last year, has teamed up with Blues fan Paul Richardson in a bid to buy the club.

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