Manchester City owner in final negotiations with MLS

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahtan is in final negotiations with Major League Soccer (MLS) to acquire the New York expansion franchise.

According to the New York Times, Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi United Group are willing to pay more than double the $40 million sum paid out to obtain the Montreal Impact last year. A US$100 million franchise fee has been offered for the New York MLS franchise, which would be the 20th team in the league.

The League is keen to close the deal before 25th May, when the Yankee Stadium will host a match between Manchester City and Chelsea. Man City, which is also owned by Sheikh Mansour, are currently the second favourites to win next season’s English Premier League, with Chelsea third favourites on most betting sites. Bets on the 2013/14 Premier League can be placed now, with comparison sites such as Freebets.com advertising the best deals and promotions available.

MLS have stated an interest in a 20th team, who will hopefully begin play at a new stadium in 2016. The team would play at a 10-acre site in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which would generate a rivalry between the New York Red Bulls. Don Garber, the MLS Commissioner stated that he is hoping to make an announcement about the team and the stadium in the next four to six weeks.

The New York Times reported that, following months of public hearings, the stadium could be completed in several weeks time. The stadium was privately financed at a cost of $340 million and would have a capacity of up to 35,000 spectators. Given the success quick success of Manchester City, Sheikh Mansour’s potential new team could be a force to be reckoned with in years to come.

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