Gareth Bale makes takeover approach to buy former Premier League club from unpopular owner following Plymouth links

GARETH BALE wants to buy hometown club Cardiff.

The Wales legend is leading a consortium to take over the League One side.

Cardiff is the subject of takeover interest from local lad Gareth Bale

Bale's group sent a letter of intent to Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan last month, which was rejected.

But it is believed the desire to acquire the club, relegated from the Championship, remains strong.

The 35-year-old was born in Cardiff and his uncle Chris Pike played for the Welsh club as a striker between 1989 and 1993.

Bale, who had a glittering career for Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and LAFC as well as for the Dragons, had been linked with a takeover at Plymouth.

He led his country to their first World Cup since 1958 as well as appearing at two Euros finals, including the incredible run to the 2016 semi-finals.

Bale is also Wales' most-capped player on 111 caps and record goalscorer after netting 41 times.

He did not play for Cardiff but the ex-forward did have talks with the club in 2022 after he left Real.

Instead, Bale went to LAFC before he officially retired in January 2023.

Bale's potential investment in Cardiff comes just weeks after ex-Spurs and Real team-mate Luka Modric became a co-owner of south Wales rivals Swansea.

Cardiff appointed Brian Barry-Murphy this week ahead of their first campaign in the third tier since 2003.

After Omer Riza was sacked in April, Wales star Aaron Ramsey was interim boss for three games.

But Bale's close pal is set for a move to continue his playing career in Mexico.