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Monaco make offer to buy majority stake in Cercle Brugge

Monaco have announced they have made an offer to buy a majority stake in Belgian First Division B club Cercle Brugge.

The move forms part of Monaco's development strategy in bringing young talent to the Ligue 1 club.

A statement on Monaco's official website said: "AS Monaco FC confirms that it has made an offer (subject to certain conditions) to purchase a majority stake in the club Cercle Brugge KSV, who play in Belgium's Ligue 1B.

"A general meeting of Cercle Brugge's shareholders will examine the proposal in order to take a decision by the end of February.

"This project forms part of AS Monaco's development strategy focused on young talent, and would give the Club the benefit of expertise from the 'Belgian school', while respecting the traditions and values of Cercle Brugge, an historic club in Belgian football."

First Division B is the second-highest league in Belgium's football pyramid and Cercle Brugge are currently fifth in the standings.

Monaco are top of the French Ligue 1 table by three points to second-placed Paris Saint-Germain.