George Clooney ‘in talks’ over Malaga takeover but struggling with £86m demands

George Clooney is part of a consortium looking into the prospect of buying Spanish side Malaga.

The Hollywood superstar has built a successful and lucrative career in acting but is ready to dip his toe into the world of football.

A group of American investors, including 58-year-old Clooney, could be sold the club if a deal is agreed.

Malaga are in turmoil just seven years on from reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

They have since dropped out of La Liga and are in difficulties on and off the pitch in the Segunda Division.

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Club president Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani is currently suspended, facing charges of illegal appropriation and improper management.

Despite the scandalous situation, the Qatari still values Malaga at £86m.

Spanish newspaper AS outline talks are ongoing over a takeover, with Clooney and his team potentially rescuing the club from financial ruin.

As part of the proposed purchase, Malaga may also be the focus of a new behind-the-scenes documentary.

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Clooney could subsequently be bringing Malaga to Hollywood rather than the other way round.

The head of Malaga's minority shareholders group, Antonio Aguilera, confirmed talks were underway, telling Canal Malaga : "There is a powerful production company here in Malaga.

“They want to turn Malaga into the 'European Hollywood' and they are filming series here for Amazon and are already negotiating with the club.

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"However, they do not want to pay the crazy sum Al-Thani is asking for. A fortnight ago, he was asking for £86m.

"What they are prepared to offer is much more than the [£30m] amount he paid for the club and talks are ongoing.

"On Friday, they called the Americans to say they were willing to negotiate."

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Malaga sit 14th in the Segunda Division table at present, but relegation from Spain’s second tier remains a real prospect due to their financial woes.

They could be forcibly relegated, while former manager Victor Sanchez Del Amo is also taking Malaga to court off the bat of his sacking last month.

Clooney would arguably be walking into a car-crash of a club if his consortium stumps up the cash.

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