00:00As Cardiff City prepare for the start of a pivotal Ligue 1 season, talk of a potential
00:07takeover has eclipsed matters on the pitch.
00:11With just weeks until the new campaign begins, speculation surrounding the club's future
00:15ownership continues to dominate and there's no sign of the noise quieting.
00:22Initial attention centred on Gareth Bale's American-backed consortium but focus has shifted
00:27in recent days toward a rumoured South American-led group after online chatter intensified.
00:33Wales Online reported Bale's bid is just one of three groups actively exploring a move
00:39for the club.
00:41The other reported angle has captured imagination not least due to social media activity from
00:46Gary Otto, a South African-born California-based property investor and co-owner of Sutton United.
00:53Otto has previously attempted to invest in several clubs including Leeds United, Coventry
00:58City and Le Havre is now believed to be part of a wider consortium in Cardiff.
01:05Despite growing fan intrigue, no formal bids have been submitted.
01:09Club sources strongly deny recent rumours that representatives have visited Cardiff City Stadium
01:14or met with Chairman Mehmet Dalman either in the UK or Monaco.
01:19They've also refuted claims that takeover talks are stalling transfer activity.
01:24Internally, Brian Barry Murphy and Head of Recruitment Paddy Du Bois are pressing ahead
01:29with plans.
01:30Around three or four new signings are expected before the window closes, depending on outgoings.
01:37Still, any takeover would only be the beginning of a lengthy process.
01:42Under EFL rules, prospective owners must pass stringent texts, submit future financial plans
01:48and demonstrate the long-term viability of the project, something that could take up to
01:53six months.
01:55Ultimately, the future hinges on Vincent Tan.
01:59Whether the Malaysian owner is ready to sell remains to be seen.
02:02But until Clarity arrives, Cardiff remain a club court between two realities.
02:08One focused on immediate promotion, the other waiting for a new era to begin.
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