BASEBALL legend Billy Beane - a man played by Brad Pitt in a Hollywood film - is involved with the consortium that is close to a takeover of Barnsley FC, the Chronicle understands.
The consortium, which also includes Chinese billionaire Chien Lee and US businessman Paul Conway, is understood to be in advanced negotiations with the Oakwell board and could be announced as the Reds' new owners by the end of the month if all goes to plan.
Beane is the minority owner and executive vice president of baseball operations at Major League club Oakland Athletics. The 55-year-old American is a former professional baseball player most famous for helping to pioneer the 'moneyball' strategy of signing players based on statistical data more than the opinion of scouts which allowed the low-budget Athletics to dramatically improve their performance.
He was portrayed by Brad Pitt in the 2011 film Moneyball while the concept has been adopted by other clubs from various sports around the world - including football.
Full story in all editions of this week's Barnsley Chronicle.
