Global group in talks to buy Melbourne Storm Storm coach Craig Bellamy's retention is crucial to the club's sale. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun MELBOURNE Storm is close to being sold. A group that has interests in sports and entertainment around the world is keen to purchase the NRL premiers. The group, with investments in England, the US, and New Zealand, has examined the club's books and given the executive operation a green light in recent months after visiting Storm headquarters. Talks are believed to have "accelerated" since the re-signing of coach Craig Bellamy to a long-term deal on Monday, and while many details remain up for discussion, it could happen quickly. Bellamy, who is in London with his team for next week's World Club Challenge, confirmed he met a member of the interested group when they visited the club and he liked what he heard. "I've met the guy heading up the syndicate - it sounds like he's got some big plans," Bellamy said. It's believed the group has been impressed with Storm's operations, on field and off and are a long way down the track with their plans to take the club forward. But Melbourne officials are reluctant to comment publicly in case the deal doesn't go through. News Limited put Storm on the market when it opted out of part-ownership of the NRL last year. The league is now governed by the Australian Rugby League Commission. The new club owners would control the $20 million of guaranteed funding for the next five years given to Storm as part of the News exit.