Gianno Paladini threatens to end bid for Birmingham City

Gianno Paladini today threatened to pull his consortium out of the proposed takeover of Birmingham City.

The Italian super agent is so shocked at Birmingham's denial of being in talks with him, he countered it by saying he will withdraw his party's interest if a public slanging match develops.

Paladini, who wants Ron Atkinson as a sporting director figure if he wins control, insisted he has made a £25m bid for control of Blues, who are understood to be seeking around half of the £81.5m Carson Yeung paid for the club three years ago.

"One hundred per cent I can confirm the talks have been ongoing for over a month," said Paladini.

"My lawyer will tell you we've been in discussions.

"We have discussed one price and we have offered another price.

"Peter Pannu (Blues chairman) had a lot of talks with my lawyer – even yesterday – so I am shocked that this statement has come out. It's quite clear we have made a bid.

"I want to give the fans what they deserve but if I have to get into confrontation with Pannu then I don't want to know."

A statement from the St Andrew's board issued yesterday afternoon said the club had dismissed one takeover bid but insisted they weren't in talks with Paladini.

The statement said: "After comments made to the media, the club would like to place on record that there are no discussions taking place with any group associated with Gianno Paladini."