American investor Robert Platek set to purchase Italian side Spezia Calcio after takeover talks with Sunderland AFC

Platek was one of a trio of investors who eyed a deal for the Black Cats in the autumn of 2019, joining John Phelan and Glenn Fuhrmann as part of the FPP Sunderland group.

Their talks with the Sunderland hierarchy ultimately resulted in a £10million loan to Madrox Partners – while another group with links to the trio, MSD UK Holdings, has agreed similar financial arrangements with Derby County and Southampton in recent months.

But Platek has continued his forays into football, and looks to be establishing a multi-club ownership model on the continent.

The financier purchased Danish top flight side Sønderjysk Elitesport late last year and also has an interest in Portugese side Casa Pia, who play in the nation’s second tier.

And now reports in Italy claim that Platek is close to finalising a deal for Serie A side Spezia – who were promoted to the Italian top flight last season

National media in the country claims that the American initially tried to target Udinese as he eyed a mid-table Italian side, before then turning his focus to Spezia.

A prize of €22million is understood to have been agreed, with negotiations ongoing over the reduction in the fee were Spezia to be relegated this season.

Reports also state that Platek is looking to add a club in Belgium to his growing number of assets.

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