David Beckham 'open to talks' to join Manchester United takeover bid

David Beckham is “open to talks” to join a Manchester United takeover bid, according to reports.

On Tuesday the Glazers announced they were "exploring strategic opportunities" for the club, which could include selling it - news which has been celebrated across the Old Trafford fan base.

The fans have demanded a Glazers exit from the moment they arrived in 2005, given the Americans leveraged a buyout that still sees Man Utd saddled with a £514.9million debt. In their 17-year reign, a further £600 million has gone out of the club on interest and dividend payments.

With the Glazers open to a sale, there has been much speculation over who might buy Man Utd. Could it be British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe? Or another US venture capitalist? Or perhaps a consortium that includes club legend, Beckham?

Beckham “open to talks”

Former Man Utd captain David Beckham is ‘open to talks' with potential bidders for Man Utd, according to the Financial Times.

The publication claims that prospective owners could seek the help of the 47-year-old, who is the current president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City.

Beckham, who won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League for Sir Alex Ferguson’s Man Utd side, has reportedly been approached by various parties in the past to gauge his interest in a takeover.

While Beckham would not be able to afford the alleged £6billion price tag, with his net worth believed to be £370million, his profile would give any investment consortium a boost.

Other prospective owners

Lifelong Man Utd fan Sir Jim is set to be the first bidder for Man Utd, according to the Telegraph. The Billionaire, who is also the owner of Nice and Ineos Grenadiers cycling team, declared an interest in the club earlier this year.

Meanwhile, other possible buyers include business pair and Crystal Palace investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and a group led by basketball moguls Stephen Pagliuca and Larry Tanenbaum.

The sovereign state of Dubai has also been named in connection with Man Utd.

Topics: Football, Manchester United, David Beckham, Premier League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.