City Football Group close in on deal for Chinese club

City already own five clubs; Melbourne City, Club Atletico Torque which they fully own, as well as part owning New York City FC, La Liga's Girona and Yokohama F Marinos in Japan. 

It is being widely reported that the group are now in the final stages of closing a deal to purchase a side in the Far East, which would take their global portfolio tally up to six. 

An announcement is expected to be made by the end of the year, with the club in question believed to be Chengdu. 

The current Premier League champions have been criticised for moving players between clubs under the umbrella of the City Football Group, but the owners have insisted that their sole aim is to build their brand while 'expanding the development of grassroots football'.

City had previously moved away from the Chinese market, citing concerns over the rapid growth of the Chinese Super League. However now they seem to be setting their sights on a lower division side, with Chengdu Better City one of three potential clubs within their search parameters.