Thaksin not selling up

Sale rumours rejected by City owner

Last updated: 6th August 2008

Thaksin not selling up

Shinawatra: Not selling up

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Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has rejected reports that he is looking to sell the club.

The former Thailand prime minister has been dismayed at the way talks with potential commercial and business partners have been interpreted, suggesting they could offer him a way of walking away from the Eastlands outfit just over a year after he bought the club.

Thaksin's plans for the Blues have not been helped by his inability to release over £1billion in assets, the sentencing of wife Pojaman to three years in prison for tax evasion - though she is now on bail pending appeal - and his own fraud allegations that still have to be answered, but he remains committed to City.

He had a morning phone call with executive chairman Garry Cook to transmit his commitment to the Blues from his current base in Beijing.

Not true

"It is not true to say Thaksin Shinawatra is selling Manchester City," said a club spokesman.

"He spoke with Garry Cook this morning and those were the sentiments he echoed in very strong terms."

However, it has been confirmed Thaksin has been in contact with associates, who have expressed an interest in investing in the club, although these have been nothing more than 'exploratory'.