The Manchester Evening News reported on Saturday that the Barclays Premiership club remain in talks with 'a number' of different parties over a potential buyout of the club.

The Manchester Evening News reported that erroneous speculation has surfaced in the far east that favoured candidate, former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has already lodged a formal bid for the Eastlands outfit.

The Manchester Evening News said there has been no bid yet although talks between Thaksin and the Blues are at an advanced stage - to such an extent he was shown around the club's Carrington training complex on Monday.

Any offer would have to be lodged with the Stock Exchange, although with due diligence almost complete Shinawatra is expected to make a move in the next few days, the Manchester Evening News said.

It said while City chairman John Wardle is broadly supportive of Thaksin's ownership, which it is thought would keep most of the current management structure in place and bring in former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri as Stuart Pearce's replacement as manager, the Thai is not the only prospective buyer the club are talking to.

Discussions, albeit through third parties, are believed to be continuing with former player Ray Ranson, while the un-named American consortium, who were touted as favourites to buy a majority stake in the club before Thaksin declared his interest, are still believed to be keen on continuing negotiations, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The Nation