Reds fishing for a bite of the Mariners

THE CEO of Central Coast Mariners has not denied reports that United are among a number of teams who are looking to invest in the Australian club.

A story in the Sydney Morning Herald suggests the Reds among others - are looking to buy the Mariners’ A-League licence and using the side as a sister a club.

The article claims United representatives have been in discussion with Central Coast chairman Mike Charlesworth and are looking at relocating the club to Sydney.

Speaking to The World Game the A-League side’s CEO, Shaun Mielekamp, said there are many European sides who have shown an interest in investing.

“The chairman has held discussions with a number of clubs and interested parties across a number of years regarding the sale of the club,” said Mielekamp of the United links.

“Speculation is nothing more than speculation and it is important, as in the pre-season, none of this distracts anyone at the club - it’s just noise.

“Reports like this simply serve as a means of distraction from what is a positive season on the field.”

City purchased Melbourne Heart in 2014, rebranding the A-League club as Melbourne City and incorporating them into the City Football Group network.

United have previous ties with the Mariners through assistant manager Mike Phelan, who was appointed Sporting Director at Central Coast in 2018.