Jeffrey Loria being considered as U.S. ambassador to France, report says

Marlins owner's name being mentioned

MIAMI ā€“ Marlins owner JeffreyĀ LoriaĀ is reportedly being considered as the U.S. Ambassador to France.

According to the New York Post, President Donald Trump's Chief of Staff Reince Preibus has recommended Loria for the position.Ā 

Preibus reportedly has received a signoff from Trump for the post.

However, there are reportedly an ongoing discussions between Preibus and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson about who should get the ambassador positions.

Loria, who made his fortune as an art dealer, has a "handshake agreement" to sell the Marlins to a New York investor. Ā The deal is said to be for $1.6 billion

Joshua Kushner, whose brother is married to Ivanka Trump, is reported to be in agreement with Loria.

Charles Kushner, Joshua's father, released a statement to the New York Times on Wednesday night that read: Ā "Our family has been friends with Jeff Loria for over 30 years, been in business together, and even owned an AAA baseball team together. Ā Although the Kushners have made substantial progress in discussions for us to purchase the Marlins, recent reports suggest that Mr. Loria will soon be nominated by the President to be Ambassador to France. Ā If that is true, we do not want this unrelated transaction to complicate that process and will not pursue it. Ā The KushnersĀ remain interested in purchasing a team and would love to buy the Marlins at another time."

Loria bought the Marlins in 2002.

The Marlins declined to comment on the story.

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About the Author:

David Lang is executive producer of the Local 10 sports department.