Port Vale have scotched rumours that pop star and lifelong fan Robbie Williams is lining up to buy the club.
Reports on the front page of The Sun and in other national newspapers on Wednesday claimed that former Take That singer Robbie, backed by a consortium, was putting together a “shock bid” to buy the League One side.
It added that the deal involving Robbie – who was made President of his home-town club at the weekend – was potentially linked to a lucrative TV spin-off, similar to the Wrexham takeover by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The report, quoted a source, saying meetings had been held with his backers and that they were “incredibly excited”.
But a statement from the club says no bid has been made – and that current owners, Carol and Kevin Shanahan, – remain “fully committed” to the club.
The statement said: “We are aware of the ‘exclusive’ news that has appeared in several national news outlets overnight and want to clarify the following:
“Robbie Williams has not made a bid to purchase Port Vale Football Club and there have been no conversations regarding that happening.
“Robbie and his team attended the match this past weekend, where he became Club President and officially opened the suite that is now named after him.
“There are a number of positive club projects that both Carol and Robbie are exploring with the intention of anything delivered being in the best interests of Port Vale Football Club.
“As owners of the club, the Shanahan family remain fully committed to Port Vale FC.”
