THE crown prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, is in talks to buy a stake into one of world’s top football clubs – AC Milan – the Milanista reports today.

Although the report did not name the prince, The Malaysian Insight has been informed that the “Tunku” in the article is the Tunku Mahkota Johor (popularly known as TMJ).

The report in the sports website said Tunku Ismail, together with Peter Lim, the owner of Spanish club Valencia, have been approached by AC Milan to become shareholder in the Italian Serie A club.

Tunku Ismail was reportedly approached by the Italian club two years ago.

“The prince is looking at Milan. The search continues for the name of the partner who should support Li Yonghong (chairman and co-owner of AC Milan).

“The rumour of the day is about a figure of Malay origin who along with a group of Oriental entrepreneurs would be interested in becoming owners.

“However, there are no findings or confirmation on the name of the ‘Tunku’, nor are there any track leading to Malaysia, so it is also a hypothesis,” the report stated.

It further reported that the names of the new members will be communicated by the board and that negotiations should cease by the end of this month.

The report also said Li and AC Milan managing director Marco Fassone know the names of the new buyers but are keeping mum.

According to La Gazetta dello Sport, a Malaysian living in Singapore is leading the negotiations.

“Although the identity of the businessman is not revealed, it is said that famous agent Jorge Mendes is in Singapore to negotiate the deal.”

The report also said that if Mendes secures the deal, then Li will remain in charge of the club and will fork out €32 million (RM149 million) to refinance it.

AC Milan won three Intercontinental Cups and one FIFA Club World Cup, seven European Cup or Champions League titles, the UEFA Super Cup a joint record five times and the Cup Winners’ Cup twice.

It finished in sixth place in the Serie A 2017-2018 season. – June 14, 2018.