Tan set to cash in on US team to boost Cardiff

CARDIFF City owner Vincent Tan is considering selling his 20 per cent stake in American MLS side Los Angeles FC because he wants to focus his money and energies on an instant return to the Premier League for the Bluebirds.

Tan invested in the glamorous Californian team five years ago; his co-owners include actor Will Ferrell, basketball legend Magic Johnson and YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley.

However, even though the side are roaring nine points clear at the top of the MLS table and on course for the title, Tan is said to be thinking of scaling down his interest.

He also recently reduced his controlling stake in Bosnian champions FK Sarajevo, who recently played Celtic in the Champions League.

Malaysian media report Tan wants to concentrate his financial resources on ensuring his “beloved Cardiff City FC return to the Premier League.”

They estimate Tan’s shareholding in the American side could be worth between £80million and £120million.

Tan will also continue to invest in Belgium club FC Kortrijk, who act as a feeder team to Cardiff. Star striker Kenneth Zohore joined the Bluebirds from the Belgians, before recently being sold to West Brom in an £8m deal.

News of Tan’s commitment to the Bluebirds is the second piece of good news Cardiff fans have had from the hierarchy this summer.

Chairman Mehmet Dalman, a close confidant of Tan, was considering a buyout of Championship rivals Charlton but has chosen to throw in his lot with the Bluebirds.

Tan, Dalman, chief executive Ken Choo and manager Neil Warnock have been going through Cardiff transfer targets in a bid to put together a squad capable of finishing in the top two this season.