Financiers 'Hold Manchester United Takeover Talks'

The group of investors known as the Red Knights have confirmed their interest in launching a bid for Manchester United.

But the group insist they need support from the club's fans across the world.

The Red Knights are a group of wealthy individuals and they met in London on Monday.

The discussions, which are in their early stages, are being led by football deal broker Keith Harris, chairman of investment bankers Seymour Pierce, and Jim O'Neill, chief economist at Goldman Sachs and rumoured to be a close friend of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

It is reported that it would take around £1billion ($1.48billion) to buy the 18-time English champions, although the club's owners - the Glazers, have consistently insisted that the debt-ridden club is not for sale.

"A group of high net worth individuals, who support Manchester United, met in London yesterday," the group, calling themselves the Red Knights, said in a statement.

"This group is supportive of current management but are looking at the feasibility of putting together a proposal to be put to the Glazer Family regarding the ownership of Manchester United.

"These discussions are in early stages and no contact has been made with the Glazer Family.

"For such a proposal to be viable, it would require the involvement and support of Manchester United supporters worldwide."

Some Manchester United fans are protesting against the Glazers' ownership