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SCMP Reporter

Chinese sports newspaper Titan claims that a group of investors are making a 3.5 billion euro (US$3.853 billion) offer for a stake in English Premier League giants Manchester United.
If true, it would eclipse the previous biggest move by China into football - billionaire Wang Jianlin's 20 per cent stake in Atletico Madrid.
The report claims the investors have already made contact with United.
A spokesperson for CITIC Capital, named as leading the bid in the report, told the SCMP the company was not involved in any bid talks.

It adds that the investors recognise that the Glazer family have no incentive to sell their Class B shares, which effectively give them a controlling stake in the club, as the team is a massive cash cow for them. Therefore, they will settle for a stake. 
READ > All our English Premier League coverage 
United are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, but the Glazer's Class B shares have 10 times the voting power of the NYSE Class A shares.
The demands of the Chinese investors, adds the report, are only "football-related", such as arranging friendlies, developing business opportunities in China, etc. 

That would seem to make the massive deal even more unbelievable, with the entire club valued at only around 2.8 billion euros in Forbes magazine's latest list of the most valuable sports teams. 
In January, Wang Jianlin, one of China's richest men, stunned football when he spent 45 million euros for a 20 per cent stake in Atletico.  Chinese firms have also been reported in connection with takeovers of Dutch side ADO Den Haag and French team Sochaux. 
The report comes after president Xi Jinping, a huge soccer fan, called for closer sporting links with Britain and China on his state visit to the UK - though it was Manchester City, rather than their rivals, to whom Xi paid a visit.


It's a funny old game: Mystery Chinese investors rumoured to be making 3.5 billion euro bid for Manchester United stake

Manchester United fans in Shanghai watch their team. Photo: AFP

Manchester United is one of the richest sports teams in the world. Photo: AFP

Manchester City's Sergio Aguero takes a selfie with Xi Jinping and David Cameron. Photo: AP

Xi Jinping and David Cameron with the Jules Rimet trophy. Photo: AP

Billionaire Wang Jianlin hopes purchase of Atletico Madrid stake can transform Chinese soccer

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo (right) and managing director Miguel Angel Gil pose with Wang Jianlin in Beijing. Photo: Reuters

The announcement of the deal in Beijing. Photo: Reuters

Models usher Wang Jianlin and Atletico president Enrique Cerezo to their announcement. Photo: Reuters 

Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo (left) and Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil (right) sign documents as Wanda Group Chairman Wang Jianlin (standing left) looks on during an agreement ceremony in Beijing. Photo: EPA

Models usher Wang Jianlin and Atletico president Enrique Cerezo and Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil to their announcement. Photo: Reuters 

China’s soccer-mad President Xi Jinping’s passion for ‘the beautiful game’ sparked while a child

Xi Jinping kicks a football during a visit to Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, while China's vice-president in 2012. Photo: Reuters

China's President Xi Jinping will visit the home ground of English Premier League club Manchester City - the 2013-14 champions - on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Soccer-mad Xi Jinping more blue than red: Was decision to visit Manchester City a deliberate snub to fierce rivals Manchester United?

Manchester City - Xi Jinping's favourite? Photo: Reuters

Sun Jihai, better known as "China Sun", was City's first Chinese player between 2002 to 2008. Photo: Reuters

Soccer fan Xi Jinping rounds off UK state visit with selfie at home of Manchester City

President Xi Jinping (left) and British Prime minister David Cameron pose for a selfie taken by Manchester City's striker Sergio Aguero. Photo: Manchester City

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, centre, in action earlier this week in a UEFA Champions League match against Sevilla. President Xi will visit the club's academy for young players.  Photo: Reuters

Former Manchester City player Sun Jihai is to be inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame during President Xi's trip to the city. Photo: Reuters

Xi Jinping plays up football passion for political advantage at home and abroad

Xi on the final day of his State visit, will meet former players of both Manchester City and cross-city rivals Manchester United. Photo: AFP

Manchester City's Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero (C) posing for a "selfie" photograph with Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and British Prime Minister David Cameron, during their visit to the City Football Academy. Photo: AFP/Manchester City Football Club

Sport

Football

Reports claim a group of investors are making massive bid for Premier League giants


Chinese sports newspaper Titan claims that a group of investors are making a 3.5 billion euro offer for a stake in English Premier League giants Manchester United
 
 


It's a funny old game: Mystery Chinese investors rumoured to be making 3.5 billion euro bid for Manchester United stake

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Reports claim a group of investors are making massive bid for Premier League giants

Reports claim a group of investors are making massive bid for Premier League giants