City cool on United bid

City sources today played down talk of a takeover battle at Manchester United.

Although it is believed United are a target there are no takeover moves imminent.

Reports suggested that a tussle is emerging between a Russian oligarch, a Far East businessman and Irish duo John Magnier and JP McManus, United's largest shareholders.

Standard Sport understands a phonecall was made to a top City banker several weeks ago claiming to be from associates of Russia's richest man but there's been no contact since.

Russia's richest man is thought to be Mikhail Khodorkovsky, reputed to be worth £7billion, but sources deny he is the man interested in United.

Today, the club's shares rose by 71/4p, adding £20million to the club's value last Friday.