Sourav Ganguly's Big Update: Indian Football Club East Bengal In Talks With Manchester United And Others For Ownership

In what could be a game-changing move for the struggling East Bengal, Premier League giants Manchester United may end up taking the ownership of one of oldest football clubs in the country. BCCI president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who is facilitating the deal, told media that negotiations are on with the 'Red Devils' and a few others and a clear picture will emerge in about two weeks. East Bengal were also talking with with Bangladesh-based conglomerate Bashundhara Group but it did not lead to any deal.

Breaking silence on the issue for the first time, Ganguly on Tuesday, said, "Yes we have spoken to them and others also. It will take 10-12 more days to know who will be the entity.

Asked whether the European football giants are coming as an investor, the Indian cricket icon said: "No, no as an owner." Ganguly however refused to delve further into it. "It takes some time. First, let it reach a stage then we will make a comment. I will speak only after there's a concrete development," Ganguly said.

Struggling with off-the-field issues, the century-old Kolkata giants have struggled to keep their ties with the investors intact in recent times that have reflected in poor results.

First it was Bengaluru-based Quess Corp, who exited after a two-year association despite a three-year agreement, jeopardising their ISL entry. Just when they failed to rope in any investor, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee came to their rescue with a pact with Shree Cement Ltd as they made last-minute entry into the ISL 2020-21.

The cement conglomerate bought a majority stake of 76 per cent to help them enter ISL and follow their bitter rivals Mohun Bagan who merged with ATK the same season.

But East Bengal's association did