This is a neutral post, so please don't try to read anything into it!

I've just done a little research into the credibility of the Argus reporter, in order to get a better understanding regarding the origins of the bid story. As the chief sports writer, he seems to be very close to Brighton & Hove Albion FC, including having personal relationships with the manager and players.

http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/20...egional-daily/

This quote at the end stood out :-

“[The] job has become progressively become more difficult in the age of the internet and clickbait.

“Simply repeating stories, unchecked, from other sources, which are often untrue, is not a form of journalism I am familiar with or want to be familiar with. I still strive to maintain my own and my newspaper’s integrity in an increasingly challenging environment.”

I'm not passing any judgement on the veracity of the bid story, but the person making the claims does seem to have a certain amount of credibilty.