Why Roman Abramovich is suddenly shirty

20 January 2009 23:41
Samsung have indicated that they are keen on a renewal and the club are happy to enter negotiations with a view to securing an improvement on the £1 million a year they now receive.[LNB]With Manchester United also in the market for a shirt sponsor in 2010 — their deal with ailing insurance giant AIG is unlikely to be renewed and the club have been linked with Indian corporation Sahara — an early deal would be welcomed by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as he seeks to reduce the club's dependence on him. [LNB]The impending commercial discussions also help to explain the club's aggressive response to weekend reports, categorically denied, that Abramovich is looking to sell the club.[LNB]The Russian issued a writ against The Sunday Times on Monday after it reported that he was in talks with Middle Eastern investors, and Chelsea have now been added as a complainant because of the potential commercial damage the story could cause to the club.[LNB]

Source: Telegraph