Fan group questions Cardiff's handling of Bale takeover bid

Cardiff City Supporters' Trust (CCST) has questioned the Bluebirds' handling of attempts to purchase the club by a consortium that includes Gareth Bale.

Wales legend Bale is fronting a bid to take over his hometown club, with the 111-cap former international recently stating the group have submitted "a brand new offer" for Cardiff owner Vincent Tan to consider.

The League One side have not publicly commented on the situation, although the CCST has sought clarification on the matter from the club.

And in a statement, the fans' body expressed disappointment over Cardiff's failure to issue a public statement that it says would give supporters the "clarity they deserve".

A statement read: "You will recall that, when reports first emerged of a bid to acquire Cardiff City, we contacted the club to seek clarification.

"We received a response that no formal bid had been made but a notice of intention to make such an offer had been received.

"Since then, speculation regarding a bid has significantly ramped up not just on social media but also in the national press.

"Reports that a quantified bid has been made, together with interviews with Gareth Bale who is reported to be involved with a consortium, is causing consternation amongst the fanbase who, in our view, should be kept in the picture.

"We have since contacted directly the three Europe-based directors of the club seeking further clarification of the situation and asking for an official public statement to be made.

"We received a reply that the club are not prepared to make a public statement in response to what they say are 'rumours'.

"To say that this is a very unsatisfactory situation is an understatement. The club need to confirm the position so that supporters get the clarity they deserve. We will continue to press the club to make a formal statement."

Speaking in June, Bale said it would be "a dream come true" to purchase the Bluebirds, outlining his desire to take the club back to the Premier League.

On the group's latest bid, the former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and Los Angeles forward told Front Office Sports Today: "We think it's a great offer, one that we're very happy with.

"We think it's very fair, if not more than fair, and it's something we hope the current owners will take seriously.

"We'd love them to accept so we can take full control and get on with what we want to do and create Cardiff into a club that we know it can be."