Birmingham City ‘on the verge’ of British takeover - what it means for Lee Bowyer

Birmingham City are reportedly on the verge of a multi-million pound takeover.

According to The Telegraph, a British businessman has been granted exclusivity over a purchase of the club and is conducting due diligence over a potential £32 million deal to buy the club.

Sources have told the newspaper they are hopeful of a deal being completed within the next month.

The report states that the potential UK-based buyer is working with Keith Harris, a financial expert, who has been appointed by Blues’ current owners Birmingham Sports Holdings Ltd, to help complete a sale.

The news comes after months of protests from Blues fans, who have demanded change at the top of the club during marches before their side’s home games.

Supporters have said previously that they are unhappy with how the club is being run.

Uncertainty over who actually owns the club, the state of their St Andrew’s ground -part of which has been closed for more than a year due to structural issues - and increasing financial losses and have all been used in protest at the owners.

Thousands of Blues supporters also flooded the playing area after the final whistle against Blackburn on Saturday (7 May) to protest against Birmingham Sport Holdings, despite repeated pleas from the PA system and the presence of dozens of stewards and police.

BSHL are also under renewed scrutiny after it was reveale that the club’s academy failed a recent audit by the Premier League.

What could the takeover mean for Lee Bowyer?

Talks are reportedly expected to start with the Football League over the takeover, who will require them to pass the owner and directors’ test.

The Telegraph claims that Bowyer’s position as manager at St Andrew’s is now “uncertain” and he is “facing the sack this week.”

Bowyer was set for talks about his and the club’s future on Monday after their 2-1 home defeat to Blackburn on the last day of the season on Saturday (7 May) ended with the full-scale pitch invasion from angry fans.

Following the game, Bowyer said: “I’m meeting on Monday and I’m sure we will talk about how we can improve going forward,” said Bowyer.

“I would like to hear they understand the situation I’ve had to face this season; we all have to be realistic.

“I want clarity in terms of what the plan is and how we can improve because I want to be the person challenging up the other end and winning things.

“But I know one thing, it is going to take time because there are contracts people are on and they’ve got years to run.”.

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