Barnsley in advanced takeover talks with consortium led by Chinese billionaire Chien Lee
- Chien Lee is a Chinese billionaire who is the majority shareholder at Nice
- The group also includes former banker and US businessman Paul Conway
- Barnsley owner Patrick Cryne could still retain a small percentage of the club
- The consortium previously saw a takeover bid rejected by Middlesbrough
Barnsley are in advanced discussions with Nice’s Chinese billionaire majority shareholder Chien Lee over a takeover.
The Tykes has held talks with Lee and his consortium, which includes US businessman Paul Conway, and there is hope of a swift conclusion.
Sources in France have told Sportsmail the Championship club are seen as a key purchase as they look to expand their commercial portfolio.
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Lee, who made his fortune with hotel firm Plateno Group and the investment company NewCity Capital, is looking to secure a full buyout.
Barnsley owner Patrick Cryne, widely regarded as having kept the Yorkshire side afloat after taking over in 2004, could yet retain a small percentage of the club. Cryne announced last year that he was receiving treatment for cancer.
Nice - who qualified for this season’s Champions League qualifiers - landed Wesley Sneijder earlier this month having signed Mario Balotelli and former Manchester United target Dante last year.
Sources close to Lee have insisted his consortium are not planning to plough huge finance into Barnsley but believe they can fund a tilt at Premier League promotion.
Barnsley impressed last season, with manager Paul Heckingbottom guiding them to a mid-table finish despite losing three key players - Sam Winnall, Conor Hourihane and James Bree - in January.
The group spoke to Brentford earlier in the year about buying a stake at Griffin Park and also saw an offer for Middlesbrough rejected by Steve Gibson.
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