Monaco: French league leaders Monaco on Friday purchased a majority stake in Belgian second division side Cercle Bruges, the principality team announced.

Monaco explained they had bought Cercle Bruges, founded in 1899, “as part of its youth development policy”. “Its core values and character will remain fully intact,” Monaco added in a statement.

The buyout went ahead after the Cercle Bruges board voted unanimously in its favour, said Monaco, who lead Paris Saint-Germain by three points at the top of Ligue 1. (AFP)