Carlos Slim Could Become Next Owner Of Chivas De Guadalajara; Jorge Vergara Said To Be Asking $700 Million

Carlos Slim, the world's richest man, is in talks to buy the Chivas, according to the Record. Slim has long been rumored to have his eye on Club Deportivo Guadalajara, which Jorge Vergara plans to sell after 7 years as owner. Vergara will reportedly ask for up to $700 million in a deal which would include the Chivas, Chivas USA and the stadium.

The Record cites a source with knowledge of the negotiations that both parties are currently at the table, hashing out the details on a deal. The source was cautious in describing the stage of the process, saying it was not quite definite that a deal would be reached but that it was being concretized. $300 million is being asked for the Chivas, $200 million for Omnilife Stadium, and another $200 million for Chivas USA, the US branch of the franchise. The source says the latter club is a sticking point - Vergara has rejected offers which do not include it, reputedly out of a desire to extricate himself completely from business dealings in the soccer world, but Slim's party is not interested in buying it.

The Chivas de Guadalajara's television deal with Televisa is up at the end of this season. Slim is said to have his eye on it; his telecommunications company América Móvil already has the rights to Pachuca, Leon and Tecos. He also has a 30 percent share in Leon and Pachuca. The move would give Slim control over the broadcasting rights.

Arturo Elias Ayub, Director of Strategic Alliances with Telmex, downplayed the rumors, writing on a Twitter post, "I've gotten 25 calls trying to confirm the rumors about negotiations with Chivas. I'm answering them all on here. At the moment THERE IS NOTHING."

Slim already owns most of Vergara's debt on the Chivas. Banco Inbursa, a bank owned by Carlos Slim, bought 95.6 percent of the debt Vergara incurred after building a new stadium for the team.

According to Forbes magazine, Slim is the richest man in the world by about $250 million dollars. In March, the magazine estimated his net worth at $67.2 billion, as opposed to Bill Gates, whose net worth is said to be $67 billion.

The Chivas de Guadalajara have had another rough season and seem unlikely to make the playoffs after having suffered four consecutive losses last month.

Vergara has owned the club since 2002. In 2006 it reached the Apertura championship.