Alexandre Pato part of consortium set for Northampton Town takeover

Former AC Milan, Chelsea and Brazil forward Alexandre Pato is part of a consortium set to purchase a majority stake in League Two club Northampton Town. The 36-year-old, who retired from professional football last year, is involved with the investment group but is not the lead figurehead.

The deal is being facilitated by the investment firm Sports Alpha Capital, which previously explored a takeover of Colchester United before withdrawing from discussions. Northampton chairman Kelvin Thomas has confirmed that the group's investment terms have been effectively agreed.

The move comes at a critical time for the Cobblers, who were relegated to the fourth tier last season. In April, the club reported pre-tax losses nearing £3m. The incoming investment is expected to make the club debt-free, providing a fresh financial foundation for the future.

Pato, best remembered for his prolific spell at Milan where he won the Serie A title in 2010-11, joins the club at a period of transition. Northampton has already appointed Chris Hogg as manager and initiated a squad rebuild, bringing in seven new signings this window, including Matty Warhurst and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.