FIROZ Kassam has broken his silence on Oxford United takeover rumours, but refused to comment when asked whether he has met Juan Sartori.

The stadium landlord is not involved in any talks regarding Mr Sartori’s interest in buying the football club from owner Darryl Eales.

But as the owner of the ground on which they play, Mr Kassam is certain to be a key factor in any potential deal going ahead.

The Oxford Mail understands he met Mr Sartori in Monaco on Thursday, but he would neither confirm or deny this, although said he has been keeping an eye on reported developments regarding a possible takeover.

“I have no comment to make,” he said.

“As you know, I do not comment on speculation.”

He added: “I am aware of what’s going on, but what is the truth and what is speculation I have no idea.

“I wasn’t aware an offer had actually been made.

“That is good news for Oxford United I guess, but as far as I am concerned it is speculation – I am not aware of a definite offer.”

Mr Kassam began talks with supporters’ trust OxVox last year about reaching a deal that would see the stadium transferred to community-based ownership.

Although OxVox’s self-imposed deadline for reaching an agreement by the end of the season passed without comment, trust chairman Jeremy Faulkner said this week they were still in regular dialogue with Mr Kassam, with ongoing takeover talks explaining why progress had slowed.

Mr Kassam said: “I can’t really add any more to anything at this stage.

“I guess it’s watch this space and see how things progress from where we are.

“The position of the stadium is what it was. If anything changes it will be in the interests of Oxford United.

“I am the custodian and if I have to carry on being that for as long as it takes, I will do.

“But I will not let it go into any hands where it can be taken advantage of, ruins Oxford United or takes it back.

“I am sitting quite comfortable looking after it and will do what is right for Oxford United.”

Mr Sartori, 36, is the son-in-law of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, president of AS Monaco Football Club.

With Mr Kassam being a Monaco resident, there was some speculation he could have known Mr Sartori.

But this is not the case.

“No, I have not come across him in Monaco before,” he said.

Before jokingly adding: “I don’t mix in those circles, I keep a very low profile.”