Retired Japanese midfield star Hidetoshi Nakata may head a consortium to take over fallen giants Perugia.
After a spell at calcioÂ’s top table in the 1990s, Perugia have slid into the obscurity of Serie C and are looking for new investment to fuel their play-off push.
Current President Pierangelo Silvestrini has grown increasingly frustrated by the UmbriansÂ’ inconsistent performances and the clubÂ’s inability to buy complete control of their stadium.
After a defeat against mediocre Lanciano just before Christmas, Silvestrini reportedly hinted that he would be happy to sell his majority interest in the Grifoni.
Reports in the peninsula state that a Japanese consortium, including Nakata – who played for Perugia between 1998 and 2000 – could step in to buy the Stadio Renato Curi outfit at the end of the season.
Pisa chief Leonardo Covarelli is also in the frame to take charge as he is a Perugia native, but the success of his Tuscan side makes that unlikely.
PerugiaÂ’s next game is a crunch match against high-flying Crotone and the pressure is mounting on Coach Antonello Cuccureddu.
