Sampdoria seem to have a lifeline provided by a union of Leeds United patron Andrea Radrizzani and the Qatar Sports Investment who own Paris Saint-Germain.
Radrizzani had confirmed his ‘binding offer’ to take over the club from Massimo Ferrero last week.
Today there emerged news from L’Equipe that QSI, the fund set up to run PSG and controlled by Tamar bin Hamad Al Thani, was also in advanced negotiations to purchase Samp.
Now it is announced via AFP news agency that the two are working together, so QSI only aim to have a minority share in the Italian team, leaving the rest to Radrizzani and his associate Matteo Manfredi.
Sampdoria are already relegated to Serie B and are running out of time to cover outstanding wages and debts that will allow them to remain afloat.
Otherwise, the club will be declared bankrupt and have to start again from Serie D, the amateur divisions.
Samp have circa €200m in debt, though negotiations with the banks have been able to work out a restructuring system.
It seems as if Radrizzani and the QSI will win out after negotiations between Ferrero and Alessandro Barnaba, representing Merlyn Partners, failed a few months ago.
A shareholder’s meeting is scheduled for tomorrow morning, so Radrizzani hopes to have a deal in place by then.
According to Calciomercato.com, Ferrero wants circa €20m in order to sell Samp, on top of covering the debts.
“We feel prudent, but optimistic, as the work is being done,” President Marco Lanna told Sky Sport Italia.