Pato consortium set for Northampton Town takeover

What the report says

A consortium including former AC Milan and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is set to buy a majority stake in Northampton Town, BBC Sport understands. The report says Pato is involved with the group, identified as Sports Alpha Capital, but is not leading it. The club is in League Two, and the move would mark a significant ownership change for the Cobblers after a period of financial pressure and on-field setback.

BBC Sport says Sports Alpha Capital had earlier held talks about a possible takeover of Colchester United before withdrawing from that process. Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas had already indicated last month that a "well-funded" investment proposal was close to being agreed. The article also notes that Thomas has previously said the deal would leave the club debt-free.

The timing matters because Northampton were relegated from League One last season after finishing bottom of the table, and they posted a pre-tax loss of just under £3m in April. Since appointing Chris Hogg as manager in May, the club has added seven players, including striker Matty Warhurst from Manchester City and midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans from MK Dons.

Pato, now 36, retired from playing last year. BBC Sport adds background that he is best known for his spell at AC Milan, where he won the Serie A title, and for a loan stint at Chelsea during the 2015-16 season.