Alexandre Pato has held provisional talks with Colchester United, as the former Chelsea star could secure a stunning takeover of the League Two side. A report from the Daily Gazette suggests that the Brazilian has been in contact with United owner and chairman, Robbie Cowling, over a potential investment.

While it remains unclear as to the role Pato will play if talks progress, Cowling is actively pursuing a sale of the club to the right prospective buyer. Pato was among a group of guests at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday to watch the U’s take on Fleetwood Town. That match finished 2-1 in the hosts’ favour, thanks to goals from Kyreece Lisbie and Micah Mbick – Ethan Ennis’ late strike coming as all but a consolation prize for the Cod Army.

The 36-year-old enjoyed a pitchside visit alongside Cowling ahead of the win, while Colchester MP, Pam Cox, was also a guest in the Chairman’s Suite for the match. It comes as Cowling is looking to step away from the club after almost two decades at the helm, but only if he can leave it in capable hands going forward.

A proposed takeover by Lightwell Sports Group fell through last summer, but investors from Europe, the US and the Middle East have since shown an interest in buying the club. At the time of writing, Colchester sit eighth in the League Two standings, just three points shy of a play-off place thanks to 11 wins, nine draws and six losses this season.

The club has also been stuck in the fourth step of English football since suffering relegation from League One at the end of 2015/16. It comes as Pato enjoyed a stellar playing career spanning almost 20 years before retiring in 2023.

After breaking through the youth system of Internacional in 2006, the Brazilian signed for AC Milan the following year – with the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Cafu, Dida, Ronaldo and Kaka to name a few.

After racking up 63 goals and 18 assists for I Rossoneri, the forward joined Corinthians in 2013. It was during his three-year stint in his homeland that he enjoyed a brief loan spell with Chelsea in 2016, although his memories of Stamford Bridge may not be looked back on fondly.

Pato managed just two appearances for the Blues before returning to his parent club, before he moved on to Villarreal. The striker then enjoyed stints with Tianjin Tianhai, Orlando City and Sao Paulo before hanging up his boots in 2023.