• Non-League

Neville, Giggs to invest in Salford City

ESPN staff
February 7, 2014
Neville currently works on England manager Roy Hodgson's coaching staff © Getty Images
Enlarge

Gary Neville is preparing to invest in Salford City, a non-league club that plays in English football's eighth tier.

The former Manchester United captain is in talks with the Northern Premier League Division One North outfit amid reports that he plans to set up an academy.

Neville's former Old Trafford team-mate Ryan Giggs could also be involved in a potential bid to transform Salford City.

"Discussions are at a preliminary stage," a spokesman for Neville told BBC Sport.

Giggs' younger brother Rhodri is a former player and manager of Salford City, but left the club in 2012.

Salford City obtained planning permission for a new clubhouse in 2011, which has never been built because they lacked the funds, but a deal with the two United greats could result in building work being started.

Giggs and Neville are already business partners in a cafe in London and a hotel which is being built opposite Old Trafford.

The Welshman, 40, is the most decorated player in United's history, having made a record 959 appearances, won 13 league titles and two Champions Leagues, and is now player-coach.

Neville, 38, retired in 2011 after playing 602 times for United and winning 85 caps for England. He now coaches England under manager Roy Hodgson and is a television pundit.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close