A host of A-list celebrities have reportedly expressed an interest in buying shares in David Beckham's proposed MLS franchise in Miami.
Actors Tom Cruise, Will Smith and Jack Nicholson are all thought to want a piece of the new team, while music stars Jay-Z and Beyonce have also said that they would invest.
Big names from the sporting world are also interested, with Nicholson reportedly using his connections at the LA Lakers to persuade Kobe Bryant and Paul Gasol to become a part of it, while Miami Heat's LeBron James has already given his backing to the project.
Even with such an array of celebrities willing to invest, the main financial thrust will come from Miami-based billionaire Marcelo Claure, who also owns Bolivian champions Bolivar and is a member of FIFA.
Beckham is able to set up the new franchise at a discounted price due to a clause his contract when he initially moved to the MLS, and the team could be up and running in time for the 2014 season.
Barney Corkhill
