3 Firms Bid For Man. United Kit Deal

Three sportswear giants are bidding to secure a world-record kit deal with Manchester United.

Adidas, Nike and Warrior remain in talks with the club over the right to take over when the existing agreement, with Nike, expires next season.

A figure of £600m over 10 years has been discussed, which would dwarf the reported £31m a season Adidas pays to Real Madrid.

United's existing deal with US firm Nike is worth £24m a year.

Germany-based Adidas, who made United's kit throughout the '80s, declined to comment but the BBC understands that the firm are in talks with the club.

Nike and Warrior, the US firm who manufacture Liverpool's kit, both confirmed to BBC Sport that they are also in the running.

A Nike spokesperson added: "United is one of the greatest clubs in the world and we're continuing discussions with them."

Puma, who sponsor Arsenal, declined to comment but are not thought to be among the frontrunners.

As part of the terms of their existing deal, Nike were granted a period of exclusivity to negotiate an extension which expired without a new agreement having been reached.

That opened the door for other companies to bid.

Nike, who will soon release this year's new kit and have been the club's partners since 2002, retain the right to match any other offer.

United, who tour America later this month, declined to comment.

They have signed a number of sponsorship deals including a £120m agreement to rename their Carrington training ground.

United sponsorship deals
Chevrolet will pay £53m a year to have their name on United's shirts
Aon paid £180m to sponsor the club's training ground and kit
Other partners include Toshiba, bwin and Aeroflot