Richard Branson shows interest in Crystal Palace

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has revealed that he was "happy to look" at Crystal Palace after administrators took out an advert in the Financial Times in a bid to sell the club.

The Coca-Cola Championship side were forced into administration a fortnight ago with debts upwards of £30million but currently have 20 parties interested in buying the club.

The recent advert offered buyers the chance to own "a long-established south London club" who are "currently enjoying success in the FA Cup".

But while Branson has personally expressed an interest in the club, he insisted a bid from Virgin was "unlikely".

Branson, who has previously been linked to the club, said: "We are always happy to have a look but I think the chances are less likely than likely. If they are for sale, then we are always happy to have a look."

If he did decide to make an offer Branson may not have to put in a huge bid as Palace's administrator Brendan Guilfoyle has already admitted "I have to take the best offer to creditors. I'm open to offers, I don't have a figure in mind."

Guilfoyle revealed yesterday he would meet a Member of Parliament this evening regarding Palace's tenancy at their home ground Selhurst Park.

The Eagles are currently paying £1.2million a year in rent to a subsidiary of Rock Investment Holdings Limited, but, after they also went into administration, Guilfoyle is hoping to secure a more attractive deal.

"I expect purchasers to seek clarification of the situation with the ground," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"I'm in touch with the administrators of the parent company of the ground. They're taking instructions from the bank that appointed them.

"I'm also having a chat with the local MP to describe to him the situation and see if he can bring any pressure to bear so I can bring the two assets together."

On the pitch Palace have recently put together a winning run to help overcome the 10-point deduction they were handed by the Football League for entering administration.

They also secured a lucrative FA Cup fifth-round tie at home to Aston Villa on Sunday while the sale of teenage forward Victor Moses for £2.5million to Wigan provided a short-term financial lifeline.