Bertrand is leading the group alongside British technology expert Omar Mir, who is solely funding the proposed minority share purchase through investment vehicle Sloane Street Capital (SSC).

The plans were presented to Dons Trust members on Wednesday night and would see SSC invest £16million up front for a 34pc minority stake in AFCW PLC, the company that runs the club.

The remaining £71million would be invested across the following five seasons, taking the total commitment to £87million.

Under the proposals, SSC would oversee football operations, with Bertrand as senior football adviser, but would operate within budgets and processes agreed by the AFCW PLC board.

The Dons Trust would retain its 50.01pc controlling share of the voting rights, preserving the fan-owned model at the heart of AFC Wimbledon.

It would mark the step in a new career for the two-time City loanee, who won both the Champions League and Europa League during a career spent with Chelsea, Southampton, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

"AFC Wimbledon's story is unique in English football and it was built by its supporters. We felt at home from our very first meetings," Bertrand said.

"We are not here to change what this club is. We are here to help it go further on and off the pitch, for the men's team, the women's team and the academy.

"It would be an honour to join the Wimbledon family and help write the next chapter, and we look forward to meeting members and answering their questions over the coming weeks."

Ryan Bertrand went onto play for Chelsea, Southampton, Aston Villa and England. (Image: Mark Chapman/Focus Images Ltd)

Bertrand's 60 appearances for the Canaries were the second-highest total for a single club, behind a long-serving spell at Southampton.

He was one of the many loan signings during Glenn Roeder's tenure at Carrow Road, joining as an 18-year-old in January 2008 before returning for another season later that summer. He made 40 appearances in the campaign that saw them relegated to League One, but missed that ill-fated day at the Valley due to injury.

That loan spell formed part of an excellent career for Bertrand - who went on to establish himself in the Premier League, win major honours with Chelsea and represent England at international level.