Soccer: United join Yankees in multi-billion deal

Manchester United are set to announce a deal with the New York Yankees baseball club that could be worth billions of pounds to the two clubs.

Old Trafford chief executive Peter Kenyon and Sir Bobby Charlton are in New York for the announcement.

Under the joint marketing deal a 'Superclub' will be formed with the two clubs selling themselves to sponsors and TV networks for millions.

There will also be an exchange of merchandising - with the club's selling each other's souvenirs and kits.

United are already the richest football club in the world with revenue that dwarfs the rest of the Premiership and major European clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Kenyon spoke recently of United's desire to "break into the US markets" and this deal makes that possible.

There are comparisons between United, who are chasing their seventh Premiership title in nine years, and the Yankees, who have won three of the last four titles - the World Series - and, in all, a record 26.

United are worth around £1b, which is far in excess of the Yankees who are believed to be capitalised at around £400m.

They are, however, the wealthiest baseball team in the United States.

The Yankees' wage bill last season was about £60million, with Derek Jeter their highest earner on £12m a year. That dwarfs the pay packet of United skipper Roy Keane, who collects £52,000 a week - £2m-plus a year.

There are comparisons between Jeter and United glamour boy David Beckham. Both move in showbusiness circles and both have high-profile partners.

Beckham's wife Victoria is a member of the Spice Girls and one of the country's leading fashion icons, while Jeter's girlfriend is the current Miss Universe.

When United and the Yankees join forces they will be able to negotiate television deals from a position of massive strength.

While the deal is good news for United it is bound to worry their rivals at home and abroad.

With untold millions pouring into the Old Trafford coffers, it means the club will be able to bid for any of the game's superstars.

Juventus and France World Cup midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who would be worth up to £30m, would automatically come within United's range assuming some of the cash found its way through to the manager.