Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd takeover: David Beckham bid plans exposed by Rio Ferdinand as Victor Osimhen transfer talk gathers pace

David Beckham is seen inside the stadium before the Group B match between England and Iran at the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar

Rio Ferdinand has spilled the beans about David Beckham links to Manchester United amid claims the former England captain is in contention to buy the club from the Glazer family.

After 17 years of ownership, United’s controversial owners, the Glazer family, have confirmed they are willing to sell up. They plan to listen to offers for the club with the price likely to fetch up to £8bn. Considering they bought the club for £790m in 2005, they stand to make quite the profit.

Their departure will be heralded as a bright new era at Old Trafford. And it’s safe to say supporters will be glad to see the back of them after a series of protests over the years.

However, whom the next owners will be is anything but clear at this stage. There is already interest from a Dubai consortium, while Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is also reportedly keen.

Indeed, you can keep track about all those linked with an approach for United here.

But there are also reports that Beckham, who played for United between 1992 and 2003, is in the mix to buy the club. He went on to enjoy a hugely-successful career after leaving Old Trafford, playing for the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan and PSG.

And he’s arguably had a more-successful career off the field, having several business interests. Indeed, one of his more recent projects saw him set up MLS franchise, Inter Miami.

And while he no-one can doubt the success story he has become, there are questions over whether he could afford to buy United from the Glazers.

Now his former teammate Ferdinand has revealed all about Beckham and how he could pull off a takeover.

David Beckham ready to front Man Utd takeover bid

Speaking on his Vibe with Five YouTube channel, Ferdinand spilled the beans, though he could not resist a cheeky dig at his former teammate.

“I saw Becks last night [Friday] at the game”, Ferdinand said, relating to the World Cup draw with the USA. “I went to the England game and we were sat next to each other.

“Beckham smelt beautiful, looked beautiful. He looked a million dollars, as he normally does. He didn’t look 10 billion dollars’ worth!” Ferdinand joked, before adding: “Becks will come with a consortium.

“When you mention someone like Becks’ name, he’s obviously a part-owner of Inter Miami, but he doesn’t come [alone].

“It’s not his money. It’s not him in terms of putting his hand in his pocket. He comes with a consortium. He comes with people who do have deep pockets who have the ability to go and execute on a deal like that.

“That’s the way he’ll be approaching it, and rightly so. I just think it’s going to come down to a number. If you’ve got the number, and you can produce, that’s what it’s going to be about.”

Beckham’s relationship with United’s fans, where he made 394 appearances for the club, could yet swing any decision in his favour.

Victor Osimhen to Man Utd talks grow

With Beckham reportedly set to front a consortium to buy United, it seems reports are growing that Victor Osimhen could become one of the club’s major targets in 2023.

He is seemingly admired by United boss Erik ten Hag as they seek a new striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the crazy price tag on his head seemingly has the Red Devils thinking twice.

But with new owners at the helm, prices for such players could become immaterial.

And with Napoli reportedly open to his sale at the end of the season, United could yet come back in for the striker who has 10 goals in 14 appearances this season.

That’s a scenario trusted journalist Florian Plettenberg can see playing out, as he revealed United’s interest in signing Osimhen.

Tweeting, he wrote: ‘X News #Osimhen: The 23 y/o striker is one of the top candidates to replace Ronaldo. Bosses convinced that he could improve #MUFC!

‘Problem: Neapel doesn’t want to let him go in winter. Regardless of the euros. United doesn’t want to pay €100m! No negotiations yet.’

With Napoli sat eight points clear at the top of Serie A, it’s easy to see why Napoli are refusing to sell in January.

However, there is a growing feeling they will cash in come the summer, if United come forward with a huge package.

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