Shinawatra confirms Man City interest

LONDON (Reuters) - Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra confirmed on Tuesday he has made a takeover proposal to English football club Manchester City, the latest Premier League team to attract foreign billionaire investors.

Thaksin, who has not returned to Thailand since a bloodless military putsch on September 19 last year and failed in his efforts to buy Liverpool for 65 million pounds three years ago, made an indicative proposal to Manchester City.

"Thaksin confirms that he and his advisers have made an indicative proposal that may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company," he said in a statement.

Manchester City has been seeking investors, with chairman John Wardle keen to attract significant funds for a team that has long lived in the shadow of neighbours Manchester United.

The Premier League has been a magnet for foreign investors since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003. Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa are under American ownership while West Ham United were bought by an Icelandic consortium in November.

The former Thai prime minister is accused by coup leaders of corruption and cronyism during his five years in office. He denies the charges. He lives in London but has also been travelling in Asia playing golf.

Accountants acting for the exiled billionaire telecoms baron will complete due diligence before advising their client whether to make a formal bid.

"It's fairly positive ... If Shinawatra (Thaksin) can come up with the finance and that will move the club forwards then the club are right to listen to that," Kevin Parker, general secretary of the club's official supporters club, told Reuters.

Former Manchester City player Roy Ranson has also been trying to buy the club, which plays at the Eastlands stadium in Manchester, and last week submitted a revised proposal regarding a proposed offer. Media reports put Ranson's bid in the region of 90 million pounds ($180 million).

Ranson, who is backed by a Britain-based financial partner, last Tuesday lodged a new proposal to address concerns about conditionality and said in a statement he hoped to enter formal discussions with the board.