Ding Lei linked with Wolves takeover

Speculation has been rife for months as to who will buy the club from outgoing owner Steve Morgan.

Several names — both in football and in business — are rumoured to have expressed an interest in taking the reins from Morgan.

And Ding Lei — the 10th richest man in China — is the most recent one thrown into the mix.

The 44-year-old self-made billionaire amassed his fortune through Chinese internet technology firm NetEase and is said to be worth almost £7bn. Chinese and American consortia have also been linked with Wolves.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said the club would scour the globe to find the right new owner.

It is believed there have been between 30 and 40 expressions of interest, which has been whittled down to 10 serious potential owners.

Non-disclosure agreements between all parties have been signed. And Wolves refuse to comment on any speculation, preferring to keep all discussions as private as possible until a deal is signed.

Morgan has also remained tight-lipped. He has yet to speak publicly about his reasons to quit as chairman and sell the club.

He threw Wolves into turmoil when announcing his shock departure in late September.

Other names linked with a takeover include former players Robbie Keane and Kevin Muscat, currently playing and managing in America and Australia respectively.

Keane was rumoured to be fronting an American consortium, but sources close to the former Wolves youngster suggest that while he has a deep affection for the club, he is happy in America having just signed a new contract with LA Galaxy.

Muscat is currently manager of Melbourne Victory, whom he recently let to an historic domestic treble.

The former defender isn’t thought to be interested in moving into ownership.

And billionaire real estate magnates David and Simon Reuben have also been linked.

Originally published at barkerrr.com on December 24, 2015.