TAKEOVER IS DENIED BY UNITED

MANCHESTER UNITED sources last night insisted the club is not for sale after speculation about a takeover bid by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The Saudi royal family, worth about £850billion, are said to be interested in buying United from the Glazer family to rival the Abu Dhabi owners at Manchester City. The latest speculation was fuelled after it emerged that United co-owner Avram Glazer is due to fly to Riyadh for an investment conference next week, although a number of prominent business leaders have already pulled out over Saudi Arabia’s alleged involvement in the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But it is understood the Glazers have no wish to sell a club they bought in 2005 for £790million. United’s American owners sold two per cent of club shares with limited voting rights in August 2017, and may be willing to sell more to the Saudis. But they are unlikely to sanction any deal that would dilute their ownership and control. Meanwhile, United’s Luke Shaw is in talks over a new long-term contract that will make him one of the world’s highest-paid defenders. United are confident they can seal a deal that will see the left back’s wages soar to more than £150,000 a week. Shaw, 23, is currently on about £100,000 a week but, after appearing to have won over manager Jose Mourinho, his stock has risen significantly.