Tuesday 22 April, 2008

Roma have now confirmed that Hungarian-born billionaire and philanthropist George Soros is interested in buying the club.

Italpetroli, the company which owns 67 per cent of the Giallorossi, yesterday denied having received a bid from any foreign investors.

But Roma have today released a statement acknowledging that: “An interview and exploratory meeting took place last week with a representative from Inner Circle Sports.”

According to the Italian Press, Steve Horowitz, Inner Circle Sports' Finance and Marketing Executive, was in Rome last week on Soros' behalf.

Corriere dello Sport claims another conference could be set-up next week between the two parties to further discuss an offer and the sale of Italpetroli's holding stake.

Italpetroli is said to be struggling to pay the interest on a loan taken out with the Italian bank Unicredit.

Meanwhile, Roma are thought to be planning to invest any extra income in Inter striker Hernan Crespo, who has reportedly fallen out with Nerazzurri Coach Roberto Mancini.

The former Lazio forward is said to favour a move back to the capital, as his wife Mari Pascuala is a Roman native.