Chris Farnell to jet into China to try and finalise West Brom takeover this week

Chris Farnell and Alex Hearn are due to fly to China this week to try to close a takeover of West Brom, according to Matt Slater.

In an update shared in an article for The Athletic on Sunday (11 February), Slater reported that the pair remain in the running to purchase Albion.

Cheshire-based lawyer Farnell and investor Hearn are said to be confident that they have the “inside track” with Guochuan Lai.

Should the pair agree a deal with Lai, it is claimed that Hearn – reported to be an Aston Villa fan – would become a minority shareholder.

West Brom takeover edging closer to completion

After months and months of drawn-out speculation, it appears we are now approaching the endgame with regards to the takeover.

The three parties in talks with majority shareholder Lai have been well documented, particularly in the case of the Farnell-Hearn consortium.

Shilen Patel is the favoured choice among West Brom fans, but the fact Farnell and Hearn are travelling to China is quite telling.

It suggests talks really are now at an advanced stage with Lai to get a deal finalised in the coming days or weeks.

West Brom
Guochuan Lai was heavily criticised during his time at West Brom.

Unlike Albion supporters, Lai will not care what is the best option for the club, but rather than best option for him.

The fact the club has debts tied up to Hearn certainly helps his cause when it comes to negotiations.

One way or another, we may well have an answer very soon with regards to who has won the race to purchase Albion.

In other West Brom news, Adrian Goldberg has raised a “note of caution” regarding the takeover.

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