Two people familiar with discussions have confirmed New York City developer Howard Milstein has expressed interest in purchasing the Buffalo Bills and keeping them in Western New York.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because Milstein hasn't publicly revealed his intentions. Citing an unnamed person, Buffalo's WGRZ-TV on Thursday first named Milstein as an ownership candidate.

The Bills will be put on the market following the death of owner Ralph Wilson in March.

Milstein previously co-owned the New York Islanders from 1998-2000. In 1999, he withdrew a bid to purchase the Washington Redskins after failing to get support from a majority of NFL owners.

As New York State Thruway chairman, Milstein has ties to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and also controls large undeveloped plots of land in Niagara Falls.

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