LONDON (AFP) - American multi-millionaire Malcolm Glazer is poised to launch a takeover bid for English football giants Manchester United, press reports said.
The 75-year-old businessman, who already owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American Football franchise, currently holds a 19.2 percent stake in the club.
Glazer has not gone public on any takeover bid he might have, but the Daily Star on Sunday quoted top banker Mehmet Dalman, who has helped Glazer snap up his existing United shares as saying: "The Glazer family - Malcolm and his sons Joel, Ed and Bryan - are interested in having a major involvement in United.
"The Glazers want to own the club - either through buying more shares or through management or board level.''
The Mail on Sunday also cited unnamed sources as saying Glazer will soon approach United's board over a possible move.
He is expected to seek the support of United's major shareholders, Irish racing tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus, who own 28.9 per cent via their Cubic Expression company.