Melbourne Heart have confirmed they have rejected a second bid from a consortium representing Victorian Premier League club South Melbourne.
Melbourne Heart have confirmed they have rejected a second bid from a consortium representing Victorian Premier League club South Melbourne to take over the club.
A story on The World Game on Wednesday claimed a $3.5 million bid had been made by the consortium, with Heart's board to consider the offer amid concerns over the club's long-term financial security.
Heart chief executive Scott Munn moved quickly to state via Twitter that the article was "factually incorrect" and that the offer had been "rejected outright".
A statement from the club followed soon after: "Melbourne Heart FC can confirm it has received an offer from a consortium representing Victorian Premier League outfit South Melbourne FC for a portion of the club's shares," it read.
"Melbourne Heart FC can confirm this is the second time the club has received an offer from this consortium and can confirm that it is the second time that the club has rejected the offer.
"The club will announce a small profit at the end of this financial year.
"The club will look forward to investing in the football department, on and off the field, and competing for a finals position in the 2013-14 A-League season."
While Heart missed finals and struggled to attract crowds to their home matches at AAMI Park, club officials - including chairman Peter Sidwell - had a clear theme of solidarity at the end-of-season awards last Wednesday.
The same South Melbourne consortium had been linked with a bid for the Central Coast Mariners at the worst of their financial crisis in March.