Oakland A's executive vice president of basketball operations Billy Beane is part of a consortium headed by Chinese-American investor Chien Lee and American businessman Paul Conway to purchase a 98.5 percent stake in Barnsley for between £10 million and £20 million.

Beane has long sought the opportunity to transfer his knowledge and ideas to soccer. Beane has previously advised the Dutch football club AZ Alkmaar.

Beane will take a 10 per cent stake in Barnsley and a seat on the club’s board.

Barnsley last played in the Premier League two decades ago, in the 1997-98 season.