Exclusive: Chinese buyers circle soccer 'super' agent Stellar Group (Reuters)

By Adam Jourdan SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Four Chinese investor groups are locked in a more than $140 million bidding war for one of the world's most powerful soccer agencies, UK-based Stellar Group, a source said, a sign that China's appetite for sport is outgrowing trophy club investments. According to documents reviewed by Reuters and a source with direct knowledge of the talks, bidders include model car maker Rastar Group, which last year bought a majority stake in Spanish soccer club Espanyol. A deal for Stellar Group, founded by British agent Jonathan Barnett, would be a major addition to China's fast-expanding roster of global soccer assets, which includes stakes in England's Manchester City, Spain's Atletico Madrid and a growing domestic league.