FINNISH entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus joined the race to buy Manchester United – but is now set to bid for Inter Milan.
Zilliacus was tossed aside by United in favour for Britain’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Thomas Zilliacus has claimed he aims to bid for United’s European rivals
The Finnish businessman, formerly Nokia’s global communications chief who now lives in Singapore, declared himself an early runner in the United takeover battle.
He vowed to finance £3billion of the asking price if fans can cough up a staggering £1.5bn.
His “bid” for United was swiftly rejected out of hand by the Glazers.
But six months after claiming his XXI Century Capital investment had a “multi-billion dollar fund” to plough into the game he now insists he is set to make a takeover bid for Inter Milan.
Zilliacus, who hinted at a £2billion buy-out, said: “I’m serious – this week or at the latest next, the current owner of Inter will receive an adequate offer for the club.”
Zilliacus’ bullish self-publicity, though, has its doubters.
One prominent source in Finland told Sun Sport: “I wouldn’t take him seriously on anything.”
Zilliacus was coy in the interview as to who his investors were, and refused to discuss who was working on his claimed bid.
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Last season’s losing Champions League finalists Inter Milan, who have a £239m loan plus interest to pay back before next summer, lost £74m in 2022-23.
Milan president Steven Zhang appeared unwilling to sell during last month’s annual shareholder’s meeting.
But now he is reportedly ready to consider bringing in a minority shareholder and refinance the club’s loan with investment firm Oaktree.
Zilliacus does have experience in the footballing industry as he was chairman of Finnish football club HJK Helsinki from 1982 to 1986.
He was quickly dismissed by the Red Devils, who eventually opted for Sir Ratcliffe following the withdrawal of Sheikh Jassim amid the slatemate.
The INEOs founder is set to purchase 25 per cent of United from the Glazers, and is set to improve the Old Trafford club’s infrastructure.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks set to improve the infrastructure at Manchester United