Investor in United deal

A MYSTERY buyer snapped up a chunk of Manchester United yesterday in a deal brokered by Germany’s Commerzbank, reigniting talk that one of the Premiership champion’s investors was considering a takeover.

Commerzbank declined to identify the buyer of the stake and the number of shares involved. Man United also declined to comment.

Market speculation over a likely bidder centred on Malcolm Glazer, owner of American Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who has already amassed almost 10%. Glazer could not be reached for comment.

Stock exchange trading data showed two identical blocks of about 11.9 million Manchester United shares were traded, representing just over 4.5% of its total shares.

The first block traded at 264¼ pence, while the second changed hands at 265p, valuing the stake at £31 million and the club at about £690 million making it Britain's most valuable listed sports asset by far.

The shares were among London's most heavily traded stocks and were up just under 5% at 261p.

Manchester United the planet's biggest soccer brand has been at the centre of takeover speculation since its London-based rival Chelsea was bought by Russian business tycoon Roman Abramovich in July.

Other major stakeholders include racehorse magnates JP McManus and John Magnier, who increased their stake to more than 23% in October when they bought pay-TV firm BSkyB's 10% holding.