LONDON (AFP) - The family of US sports tycoon Malcolm Glazer moved a step closer to seizing control of Manchester United, raising its stake in the club to 28.1 percent -- making it almost the largest shareholder.
The Glazer family said in a statement it had bought another 1.27 million shares in the world's richest football club, edging ever closer to the 29.9-percent level above which a formal offer to buy out Manchester United would have to be made.
The news came just hours after the US tycoon confirmed he had snapped up almost 6.1 million shares in Manchester United on Monday, after buying 15.4 million shares on Friday, raising his stake from 19.2 percent previously.
Manchester United said for the first time last week that it had held takeover talks with Glazer, but said there was no firm offer on the table.
However, the Glazer family continued to consider all its options, including a possible offer, the club said.
The Glazer family's stake is now just short of the 29.9-percent threshold above which an offer to buy out the club would have to be made under British takeover rules.
Glazer, owner of NFL franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is the second-largest shareholder in United.
United said last week that Glazer's talks with the club's biggest shareholders, the Irish racing tycoons John Magnier and JP McManus who together own 28.9 percent, appeared to have broken down.
Magnier and McManus have not bought any shares in Manchester United since February and are understood not to be planning a bid themselves.
Analysts said the pair's support would be crucial if Glazer were to take full control of the club.
News of Glazer's interest in United has been greeted with disdain by Red Devils supporters, who have waged a fierce campaign to prevent the American seizing control.
Glazer's approach has angered several United supporter groups, who are not convinced he has sufficient funds. They fear he would have to mortgage the club's future to raise the required stake, and hike ticket prices.