MANCHESTER CITY look set to be the next Premiership club to be the subject of a takeover after revealing they have opened talks with investors.
Chairman John Wardle said at City's annual general meeting: "We are currently in talks with an investor that may lead to potential investment."
It is understood that one of the interested parties talking to City is an individual.
And it is believed he could be ready to launch a £70m takeover of the club.
It is no secret that City have been searching for new investment.
And chief executive Alistair Mackintosh has recently borne the brunt of fans' frustration at the lack of money available at the club.
City have been struggling to compete financially with similar-sized rivals - and that could worsen following the recent takeovers at Aston Villa and West Ham.
Wardle added: "The board is aware that we need further investment to maintain our challenge in an increasingly competitive and high-finance Premier League."
And it now seems that City will follow the recent trend of Premiership clubs accepting buy-outs.
City boss Stuart Pearce, meanwhile, is bucking a managerial trend as he tries to raise his club's expectations ahead of tomorrow's derby date at Old Trafford (12.15).
While most Barclays Premiership bosses tend to play down their side's ambitions for fear of failing to live up to them, Pearce is on a confidence drive ahead of the daunting clash with leaders and city rivals Manchester United.
"We are five points off third place in the league. For me it's a step forward," Pearce said.
* Halifax Town's 'record-breaking' 14-3 West Riding County FA Cup victory against Pontefract Collieries is in jeopardy because The Shay club have admitted they fielded an ineligible player.
