Manchester City deny 90 million pounds bid from Ranson

LONDON, Apr 25 (Reuters) Manchester City denied today they had received a 90 million pounds takeover bid from former player Ray Ranson but said they would consider offers for the Premier League club.

In a statement sent to the London Stock Exchange, City said they had received a highly conditional indicative proposal from Ranson in March and had allowed him to carry out due diligence on the club.

''Ray Ranson's indicative proposals to date have contained a number of material conditions the board does not believe can be fulfilled and this has been communicated to Ray Ranson's advisers,'' the statement said.

''However, the board granted Ray Ranson, his financial partners and their advisers access to confidential information and allowed Ray Ranson to carry out due diligence.

''For the avoidance of doubt, since 12 March 2007, contrary to media speculation, neither the purported '90 million pounds bid' nor further proposals of any sort have been received by the company or its advisers from Ray Ranson.

''The board will continue to consider all indicative proposals and offers from potential offerors including Ray Ranson and, as announced on 24 April 2007, continues in preliminary discussions with interested parties.'' BBC Radio Manchester reported yesterday that Ranson had made a 90 million pounds bid for his former club.

The 46-year-old Ranson, who also played for Birmingham City, Newcastle United and Reading, said in a statement he had the backing of a British-based financial partner.

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

Media reports on Monday had claimed that former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who failed in a bid to buy Liverpool in 2004, made a preliminary approach, although that claim was denied by his lawyer yesterday.

REUTERS BJR RK1458