Indian billionare Mittal set to buy Birmingham City

London, June 13 (UNI) Indian-born billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, the fifth richest man in the world, has reportedly emerged as a contender to buy the newly promoted English Premiership club Birmingham City.

The steel magnate, who is worth 19.25 billion pounds, has made an inquiry about the possibility of taking over the Midlands club from David Sullivan and David and Ralph Gold though he has so far not followed it up his initial interest, British media reported.

'Daily Telegraph' says the 56-year-old Mittal, who last year bought Arcelor, the world's second biggest steel-maker for 17.8 billion pounds, is maintaining a watching brief.

According to a report in the newspaper, Sullivan and the Golds, who would sell for around 50m pound, would be keen on a quick sale if their time at the club is to end after 14 years, to Mittal who has twice the fortune of the Russian Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

Birmingham City is already the subject of interest from a mystery Far East businessman who is planning to make a formal bid later in the week if auditors are satisfied after going through the club's books.

UNI