Wales and Liverpool FC icon Ian Rush part of consortium seeking to buy football club

Wales and Liverpool football legend Ian Rush is reportedly part of a consortium hoping to buy a majority stake in a Northern Ireland football club.

According to the BBC, members of Belfast-based Crusaders Football Club were briefed on the proposal at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) and if the bid is successful, it is believed the investment in the club could reach £2.5m.

Rush, who is originally from Flint, is Wales' second highest ever goalscorer with 28 as well as being Liverpool's record goalscorer with 346 goals in 660 games over two spells. He also played for Chester City and Juventus during an impressive career.

Crusaders FC were formed in 1898 and play their home matches at the 3,000 capacity Seaview ground.

They have won the Irish League on seven occasions, most recently in the 2017-18 season but are currently in fifth position- 13 points behind leaders Linfield and 12 points behind North Belfast rivals Cliftonville.

The takeover proposals reportedly include the formation of a player academy with a strong educational element, a player development strategy and enhanced income streams from football-related and non-football related sources, including selling players on from their academy.

The IRAMA company, of which former Wales international Rush is a significant shareholder and involves several other businessmen, is understood to be looking to buy a 70% share in Crusaders, which is valued in the region of £750,000.

Ronnie Millar, Chair of Crusaders FC, commented "This evening's meeting was held to discuss a detailed and significant investment proposal in Crusaders FC.

"Our members have received detailed information and will take time to consider it before returning to determine our view.

"Crusaders is