Ex-Brazil forward Pato's consortium to take over Northampton

Former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Alexandre Pato is leading a consortium that plans to acquire a majority share in League Two club Northampton Town, according to BBC Sport. The Brazilian forward, who recently retired, is not personally investing in the deal. Pato enjoyed a successful career, scoring 63 goals in 150 appearances for AC Milan and winning the Serie A title in the 2010-11 season.

He also had a brief stint at Chelsea, where he scored on his debut. Northampton Town, who were relegated to the fourth tier last season, announced a pre-tax loss of just under £3 million in April. The club's chairman, Kelvin Thomas, confirmed last month that a well-funded group had agreed to invest in the team, making it debt-free.

Since then, Northampton has appointed manager Chris Hogg and brought in seven new players during the transfer window, including striker Matty Warhurst from Manchester City and midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans from MK Dons.