Manchester United co-chairman Avram Glazer pulls out of Saudi event

Manchester United co-chairman Avram Glazer has pulled out of attending a major global investment conference in Saudi Arabia next week.

He joins a long list of business leaders and politicians who have decided not to attend after the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Glazer was due to be at the Future Investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday amid reports that Saudi investors want to buy Manchester United. Sky Sports News understands the club is not for sale.

Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is one of the richest and most powerful men in the world and is understood to be keen to invest in a top European football club.

Saudi Arabia's neighbours are already heavily involved in football, with reigning Premier League champions Manchester City backed by Abu Dhabi-based Sheikh Mansour and Paris Saint-Germain owned by Qatar Sports Investments.

United have been owned by the Glazer family since 2005 and are valued at more than £3bn - they bought United in a £790m deal - although Sky Sports News understands an offer starting at £4bn would have to be on the table for a sale to even be considered.

Saudi Arabia is keen to build interest and investment in sport and is currently building the biggest sport and entertainment city in Al Qadiya, south-west of the capital city Riyadh.

Investors from the country are also involved in proposals for a new FIFA tournament to replace the Club World Cup.

Credit: Skysports.com