As reported by RMC, recently relegated Saint-Étienne have received a new offer for the purchase of the club from Olivier Markarian, who has previously been touted to buy Les Verts.
The French businessman who comes from the Rhônes-Alpes region, recently sold his Markal business, and has put together a new effort with a number of other investors. Markarian has also been an economic partner of the Forez club for more than 15 years, and a sponsor since 2011.
RMC report that Markarian is financially a bit short, particularly lacking the means to sustain a Ligue 1 side, however he may be more suited to controlling the finances of a second division side, which Saint-Étienne recently became.
Despite the new offer, American businessman David Blitzer remains in pole position to complete a purchase of the 10-time French champions, although progress has recently stalled in this respect. The current President of the club, Roland Romeyer has allowed around 20 days to advance negotiations with Blitzer, after which point negotiations with Markarian will re-open.
