"It is not likely to take more than two weeks to know the result. I believe and I hope the deal will succeed," Noppadon told reporters.

Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup d'etat in September last year, has been considered the front-runner in the Manchester City takeover.

However his ability to fund the takeover is in doubt this week after graft busters ordered freezing of his assets.

Noppadon said he did not know how Thaksin planned to finance the deal, saying,"it's not at that stage yet," but added that he may borrow money to buy the team.

The Nation