Roma denies U.S. takeover rumors

Italpetroli, the parent company of Roma, has issued a statement categorically denying speculation of an American takeover at the club.

There have been reports in the Italian media for a couple of months now that Roma will have to be sold due to the fact that Italpetroli possess debts in the region of $550 million.

A number of American businessman have been linked with a takeover, and Thursday it was reported that billionaire political activist George Soros had given himself 10 days before deciding whether to go through with a buyout offer.

However a statement from Italpetroli reads: "Italpetroli, in its role as indirect controller of AS Roma, wants to state that even though in recent months it has received signs of possible interests from third parties to hold AS Roma shares, none have matured into concrete offers.

"Italpetroli wants to clarify that in no case can these rumors lead to the belief that the Sensi family would disengage themselves from the club.

"With reference to an article published in the press that mentions the presumed meetings between the club and the legal advisors of the reported potential investor, Italpetroli and AS Roma wish to state that this story is without foundation."

Juventus has also been linked with foreign investment, with Russian steel giant Severstal, which later denied the rumors, said to be interested in buying a minority stake in the club.