Watford owner Laurence Bassini denies takeover and investment claims

Rumour and speculation surrounding a potential new owner and investment has increased in recent weeks.

Sources also told the Watford Observer that Bassini has been in discussions with a potential investor for some time.

But the Stanmore businessman, who took over the club in March last year, has strongly rejected the claims.

Bassini told the Watford Observer: “There is no truth in me trying to get investment.

Somebody asked me if I wanted to sell the naming rights for the stadium but I told them I am not interested.

“There is nothing in it at all. I am not seeking investment. What for? I do not understand where all these rumours come from.

“I hear every day that those sort of things are going on but those people making up rumours on forums are keyboard warriors.”

Bassini stated he was not looking to sell and there was no outside investment on the table.

Reports of interest from an Italian consortium and investors started back in February.

Udinese owner Gianpaolo Pozzo, former QPR chairman Gianni Paladini and ex-Watford boss Gianluca Vialli have all been mentioned as potential investors.

Bassini stated he has never spoken to anyone from Udinese and when it came to Paladini, he confirmed the Italian had shown an interest in buying Watford several months ago but the Hornets owner said he was not interested.

He said: “There are always people that want to buy football clubs but Watford is not for sale.

“We can strengthen the squad in the summer and continue the building work and then we will be in a great place.

“I wouldn’t have put in another £1m for tomorrow (Friday) if I was selling the club would I?” Bassini spent the first half of Saturday’s match at Peterborough in the away end with supporters – something he has done on a number of occasions this season.

He said: “They were singing my name. They were amazing. I was in there for the first half of the match and I got to speak to fans and it was fantastic.”