Thirty-year-old cryptocurrency businessman Haydn Snape is latest backer in Birmingham City takeover

Birmingham City’s protracted takeover took another twist on Sunday as it emerged a new backer has joined forces with prospective owner Paul Richardson.

Sportsmail understands Haydn Snape, a 30-year-old businessman who made his fortune in cryptocurrency, has assumed a role within the consortium in a bid to push a deal through.

In recent weeks, a fresh bid with Richardson, worth under £50million, was lodged to acquire the Championship side – who are four points off the playoffs after Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Stoke City.

Crypto businessman Haydn Snape is the latest backer to join Birmingham City takeover

Harlee Dean (pictured) scored to help the Blues defeat Stoke City 2-1 on Saturday

Richardson has been working alongside former AC Milan and Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez to take control of Birmingham for much of the year but has yet to finalise a deal.

Sources close to the negotiations claim that Snape’s injection should hasten the process and make sure the Blues secure new ownership. 

They also insist Snape’s proof of funds have been submitted to the EFL.

Birmingham now sit four points off the playoff places in 11th in the Championship 

The Dubai-based CEO of Decentralised Investment Group is a Birmingham supporter and met Richardson at a match at St Andrew’s earlier in the year.

Snape learned of the opportunity to become involved in a takeover when negotiating a sponsorship deal with the club.

Born in Stevenage, Snape’s background is in finance, having worked as a fintech consultant for the likes of HSBC and JP Morgan.