FORMER Manchester United legend George Best has been targeted to join the Shakers board writes Phil Thorp

The former Northern Ireland superstar has been approached by the mystery consortium in the process of taking control of Bury Football Club.

Best's agent Phil Hughes told the BEN yesterday that millionaire businessman Alex Tarsus, believed to be part of the consortium, had been in touch with Best with a view to him joining the Gigg Lane board when a deal is finally done.

At Gigg Lane chairman Terry Robinson admitted he knew nothing of the move for Best but reckoned it could be a promising sign that a deal may finally be coming to fruition.

"The club is not aware of the identity of the people who form the consortium, " he said.

"We have no knowledge of who they are but if they have made an offer to individuals that is their business.

"All I can say is that it is very interesting and looks as though things are moving forward."

Best, who is suffering from a life-threatening liver disorder, now lives in the sleepy town of Portagovie in his native Northern Ireland but is thought to be looking for a way to get back into the game that gave him so much.

"We have had an initial approach from Mr Alex Tarsus and we are waiting for a chance to discuss it further," said Mr Hughes.

Meanwhile the Bury chairman admitted: "The situation remains the same in that a bid has been accepted from an unnamed consortium by the solicitors acting for the plaintiffs of the Eaves action.

"We are waiting for ratification from the High Court before the bid is complete and we will be told who the consortium consists of."

"George is holidaying in Corfu at the moment but when he gets home we'll sit down see what they have to say.

"There have been a number of offers for him to get back involved at different levels and it's just a case of finding the right one for George."

Mr Hughes is also agent for Mr Tarsus's son Eddie a Turkish Under-18 international who has recently signed for the Shakers.