Glazer may bid for Man Utd

Malcolm Glazer, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has instructed Commerzbank to examine the possibility of bidding for football club Manchester United, reports the Financial Times.

The US entrepreneur, who now owns 16.31% of the Premiership club, has asked the bank to look at financing options and possible bid structures. The paper adds that Glazer's representatives have been in informal contact with members of the Manchester United board.

Glazer shot to fame in the US when he splashed out $192m (€149m) in 1995 for the struggling Tampa Bay franchise. He funded a new $200m (€155m) stadium which helped bring the team to victory in last year's Super Bowl.

Two days ago Irish racehorse owners John Magnier and J.P. McManus, the largest shareholders in Manchester United, raised their stake in the club Wednesday to nearly 29%.

The Irishmen are now just short of a 30% stake, which would trigger a rule requiring them to make a formal takeover bid.