Gareth Bale fronting shock takeover of English club

A surprise turn of events

The Welsh legend has been taking things easy since retiring from football, but the golf-mad football legend is set to return to the sport in a shock way.

As reported by The Telegraph, the five-time Champions League winner is fronting a takeover of League One football club Plymouth Argyle.

Bale is set to be the face of a US-based private equity group’s potential takeover of the club, following an increasing trend of Americans buying English football clubs.

This news follows his former Madrid teammate Luka Modric being part of a rival American group that bought shares in Swansea City recently.

The Argyle takeover group includes the American-based Storch family.

The potential co-partnership between Bale and Plymouth comes as a surprise, however is becoming an increasing common tactic from American investors to put a famous face to the takeover.

Other American investors in the EFL include the obvious Tom Brady at Birmingham City and of course Ryan Reynolds at Wrexham.

The Telegraph report that "several sources close to talks confirm a US private equity group partnering with Bale is currently in talks over a bid for full control at Home Park."

Argyle chairman Simon Hallett has been looking for fresh investment in the club for at least a year now with a previous deal falling through last year due to slow negotiations. 

Bale wouldn't be the first retired legend to get involved down in Devon with Wayne Rooney previously manager the club last year.

Plymouth Argyle were relegated last year after finishing second from bottom in the Championship.

Former Man United and Watford midfielder Tom Cleverley has now taken up the reins at the club as manager.