Lineker's group closes in

Lineker's consortium needs one last financial push

Former England striker Gary Lineker's consortium is close to gaining control of Leicester City.

Lineker's agent Jon Holmes said Lineker's group is within £1m of its £5m target to mount a takeover of the cash-strapped Foxes.

We need to get there as quickly as we can

Lineker's agent, Jon Holmes

Speaking on BBC Radio Leicester, Holmes said that donations from Lineker and Liverpool's former Leicester striker Emile Heskey had pushed them close to their target.

But Holmes said the consortium is still looking for other interested parties to come forward.

Holmes said: "We need to get there as quickly as we can.

"If they're approaching us at a more modest level they should contact Foxes Trust.

Heskey weighs in

"If they're at a substantial level, and we're looking for investments of between £100,000 and £250,000, then please get hold of me."

Lineker's consortium face compettion from two other unnamed groups interested in gaining a controlling stake in the club.

Leicester have struck financial problems since their relegation at the end of last season.

The Foxes are currently in administration with debts of £30m.

Linker mounts rescue bid

Recently, the players agreed a wage deferment package to ease the club's plight.

The administrators also made 30 non-playing staff redundant, including chief executive Steve Kind and director of operations Charles Rayner.