Cryptic response to shock takeover by Bale

PLYMOUTH Argyle chief executive Andrew Parkinson has refused to rule out reports linking Gareth Bale with a sensational move into football club ownership, describing the former Real Madrid star's involvement in a takeover bid as "speculation" at this stage.

- GLEN WILLIAMS Football writer

Stories first published by The Telegraph earlier this week claimed that a United States-based private equity group, fronted by Bale and involving members of the Storch family, was in discussions to purchase full control of the League One club.

However, Parkinson was quick to dampen the excitement surrounding the links when questioned at new head coach Tom Cleverley's unveiling at Home Park on Thursday.

“That was really speculation,” Parkinson said.

“You would expect me to say that we are not in a position to be able to talk about any individuals or any investors, but of course when we have got the opportunity to do that we will do.”

While neither confirming nor directly denying contact with Bale’s consortium, Parkinson reiterated majority owner Simon Hallett’s long-standing openness to external investment.

Hallett revealed on May 31 that a year-long negotiation with a potential investor had collapsed, and that the club continues to seek the right partners for sustainable long-term growth.