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 including 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 confidante 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.
Zohore and top defender Bruno Manga have left, but £6m has been spent on centre-half Aden Flint from Bristol City, while Wales international Will Vaulks, defender Curtis Nelson and goalkeeper Joe Day joined earlier.
Tan and Warnock still plan to bring in a proven striker to replace Zohore, someone they feel is capable of bagging 20 goals a season.
Cardiff have also targeted another midfielder and may also sign a new wide-man.
Tan was co-founding owner of LAFC, a new team who played their first MLS match just two years ago with former United States national team manager and ex-Swansea City boss Bob Bradley at the helm.
They made the play-offs first time around and this season are on course to win their league, with a comfortable lead at the top.
There is a real showbiz element to the club with its big-name backers, including Austin Powers, Elf and Zoolander star Ferrell.
Tan has held comfortably the largest stake of any shareholder.
But the Malaysian Star report: "Despite the extraordinary attractiveness of LAFC, the rumoured near 20% stake in the club will go far in supporting Cardiff City FC in its critical campaign to regain its rightful place back in the Premier League."
They say Tan has a special feeling for the Welsh club and what he calls "dedicated Bluebird fans."
Under Tan's watch Cardiff have twice been promoted to the golden land of the Premier League, only to be instantly relegated. He remains keen for them to get there a third time and is putting together a business model which ensures they stay in the top flight next time around.
