A host of possible buyers emerged for Manchester United after American owners Glazers Family put the club up for sale.
On Tuesday, the Old Trafford club confirmed that their US owners are open to selling the club in line with their desire to ‘explore strategic alternatives to enhance the club’s growth.
Those alternatives include ‘new investment into the club, a sale, or other transactions – suggesting that the American family can now listen to offers after 17 years at Old Trafford.
According to reports by The Times, former Manchester United attacker David Beckham is one of those leading the race to facilitate a sale. According to the report, the Inter Miami owner cannot afford the Premier League giants alone. Still, he is open to holding talks with any potential buyers of Manchester United.
That will mean he joins an investment consortium of interested buyers to purchase the club. Beckham’s history with United and his relationship with the supporters could swing the vote in favour of those who partner with him.
Various investors have already approached the former England captain in the past, but talks have yet to progress.
However, the report by The Times states that Beckham is said to be more open than ever to discussing a deal, as United confirmed their US owners were open to selling the club on Tuesday.
Beckham’s involvement could benefit any prospective buyers, given his long-standing history with the club.
Meanwhile, according to another report by The Telegraph, UK’s richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to launch a bid to buy Manchester United.
The British billionaire, who founded chemical giant Ineos, has always wanted to buy the club and was one of the first to express an interest in purchasing the club when talk of a sale previously surfaced in the summer.
But at the time, the Glazers had no intention of selling, so the businessman went mute on the proposal. He has now prepared himself and will come in with a fresh approach after the news of the sale went public last week,
However, Ratcliffe is concerned about the potential asking price for the club. According to reports, the Brit is wary about overpaying amid reports which claim the Glazers could demand at least £5billion for their controlling stakes in United.
Another report by Daily Star claim that US tech giant Apple has also joined the race to buy Manchester United.
According to the reports, the world’s largest tech company have indicated an interest in acquiring the club for £5.8billion.
The California-based tech firm are new to the Sporting world, having never previously owned a major sports team. However, the commercial opportunities provided by United, one of the world’s biggest clubs, is said to be a primary factor in their interest.
Any potential deal would become the most costly acquisition of a football club in history, as it will surpass the £4.25billion fee a consortium led by Todd Boehly paid for Chelsea earlier this year.