OLDHAM Athletic is at the centre of a takeover battle between two wealthy businessman who have made multi-million pound bids for the Boundary Park club.

One of them came out in the open on Tuesday and revealed his vision for Boundary Park.

Former chairman Barry Chaytow, who resigned so he could launch a formal bid, put it in writing on September 21 to American-based owners Simon Blitz and Danny Gazal. It was acknowledged 24 hours later.

The bid, totalling £19m, is made up of £15m for the League One club, £3m towards a new stand and a £1m treasure chest for boss John Sheridan to boost his playing squad.

There are more ambitious plans in the pipeline to spend a further £120m to redevelop several acres of land surrounding the ground with an hotel and leisure complex.

Mr Chaytow, a former chairman at Bolton Wanderers and Carlisle United, said: "I have made my bid because I love Oldham Athletic.

"It is a generous offer that would move the club forward in the right direction both on and off the field. The potential is there and I would like to see it fulfilled."

But MEN Sport understands another deal is on the table and a cheque has been handed over as a deposit.

Takeover

However, Mr Chaytow insists that should that fall through, he would still be willing to continue his takeover.

Oldham was bought by the current owners for £4.5m in January, 2004.

Their investment has doubled since then so they could still walk away with a handsome profit.

But Mr Chaytow revealed: "I can't wait indefinitely. If another opportunity came along which was commercially viable I would have to look at it."

Oldham Athletic declined to comment on the situation.

Meanwhile, Oldham striker Paul Warne has suddenly hit a scoring streak - but it might not be enough to save him from the axe. And that could open the Boundary Park exit door for the popular 33-year-old.

It is no secret that Latics boss John Sheridan is on the look-out to boost his strike force and Warne admitted: "I know he isn't overly keen on me as a player.

"If he brings in his own man you don't have to be a rocket scientist to see what will happen.

Realist

"I expect him to replace me, that's the way of the game. I have been in football a long time and understand how it works and I am a realist.

"If I wasn't in the side and it persisted then obviously I would think of moving on. I would have to go and ply my trade somewhere else.

"Don't get me wrong, I want Oldham to win and do well. But if I was out of the side for a long period of time that would be no good to me. I want to be playing every week."

Warne, who was brought to Oldham on a free from Rotherham by former boss Ronnie Moore, is out of contract at the end of the season.

He has scored three goals so far, two of them coming in the last couple of games.

Yorkshire-based Warne added: "When I first came I probably wasn't at my best.

"But Ronnie Moore persisted with me because I was one of his players.

"Shez didn't bring me to the club so I don't expect any loyalty from him.

"Everybody has a player on their shoulder and if he brings another forward in it will definitely be me out."

Do you agree with Warne? Have your say.

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