Robbie Williams prepares bid to buy club he’s supported since a lad – with potential Wrexham-style TV deal in the works

TAKE That star Robbie Williams is preparing a bid to buy his beloved Port Vale.

The superstar singer, 49, has been backed by a consortium to take over the League One side, with a potential TV spin-off.

Robbie Williams was named as Port Vale’s president at the weekend and hinted at the behind-closed-doors talks

PA

Robbie has been backed by a consortium to take over the League One side[/caption]

Robbie — who co-created the Soccer Aid charity football matches — was named as club president at the weekend and hinted at the behind-closed-doors talks as he posed in a team shirt, with the caption: “Up The Vale.”

If the sale goes through, Robbie could land a lucrative streaming deal, similar to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover of Wrexham.

A source said: “It’s really early days, but Robbie’s been formally approached to see if he’s interested in fronting a bid.

“Port Vale remains one of his greatest loves, and it’s always been a dream to be more involved.

“He’s had a couple of meetings, and his backers are incredibly excited. They feel Rob would add the star quality, and make Port Vale a major player.

“Seeing what Ryan and Rob have done with Wrexham — the increased footfall, merchandise sales and general profile build — is inspiring. Port Vale fans love Robbie and, on paper, it’s a match made in heaven.”

Local lad Robbie has played for Port Vale at their ground in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, in a testimonial match in 2001, and helped design their shirts.

He also founded his own US-based football team in 2005, naming it Los Angeles Vale.

After being named Port Vale president, Robbie posed in a club shirt and name-checked one of its stands.

He said: “My life is bizarre and wonderful and has taken many turns and twists and to find myself from the Railway Paddock to be ‘El Presidente’ is pretty special.

“It feels as though I need to be doing more in and around this place.”

Since actors Ryan and Rob completed their purchase of Wrexham in 2020, the Welsh club’s value has increased by more than 300 per cent.

Their docu-series Welcome To Wrexham, charting the takeover, became a hit on Disney+.

If he takes control of Vale, Robbie can call on advice from two star pals — Sir Elton John is ex-chairman of Watford and David Beckham is co-owner and president of US side Inter Miami.

Alpha Photo Press Agency

The Angels singer co-created the Soccer Aid charity football matches[/caption]