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Football giants Manchester United have reportedly entered talks to purchase the license of Central Coast Mariners and relocate the club to Sydney.
In one of the more sensational twists for Australian football, the Sydney Morning Herald reports the global sporting icon is looking to establish a franchise in the A-League.
According to the report, the United have held lengthy discussions with Central Coast owner Mike Charlesworth in the UK about acquiring the Mariners' license and turning the franchise into a sister club for the EPL giants.
Paul Pogba celebrates with teammates. (Getty) (Getty)
While a deal is yet to be struck, The Herald claims that the Red Devils are willing to rescue the cash-strapped Mariners, however, it could come at the expense of the club's affiliation with the Central Coast.
Instead, the Mariners could soon find themselves relocated to Sydney's northern suburbs with games likely to be played at North Sydney or Brookvale.
United's reported bid follows that of cross-town rivals Manchester City who purchased Melbourne Heart in 2014, rebranding the A-league club as Melbourne City and incorporating them into the City Football Group global network.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, (18), celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides 2nd goal of the game from the penalty spot during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (Carl Recine/ Pool via AP) (AP)
The Mariners also have a long-standing connection with United's upper-hierarchy, with Red Devils' assistant coach, Mike Phelan, appointed to the role of sporting director of Central Coast in 2018.
The Mariners have struggled financially and have been in a desperate hunt for investment in recent years. No price is believed to have yet been agreed upon.
Manchester United's revenue was $905 million last year and the club was listed as the tenth most valuable sporting team in the world by Forbes in 2020, said to be worth more than $5 billion.
wwos.nine.com.au
In one of the more sensational twists for Australian football, the Sydney Morning Herald reports the global sporting icon is looking to establish a franchise in the A-League.
According to the report, the United have held lengthy discussions with Central Coast owner Mike Charlesworth in the UK about acquiring the Mariners' license and turning the franchise into a sister club for the EPL giants.
Paul Pogba celebrates with teammates. (Getty) (Getty)
While a deal is yet to be struck, The Herald claims that the Red Devils are willing to rescue the cash-strapped Mariners, however, it could come at the expense of the club's affiliation with the Central Coast.
Instead, the Mariners could soon find themselves relocated to Sydney's northern suburbs with games likely to be played at North Sydney or Brookvale.
United's reported bid follows that of cross-town rivals Manchester City who purchased Melbourne Heart in 2014, rebranding the A-league club as Melbourne City and incorporating them into the City Football Group global network.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, (18), celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides 2nd goal of the game from the penalty spot during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (Carl Recine/ Pool via AP) (AP)
The Mariners also have a long-standing connection with United's upper-hierarchy, with Red Devils' assistant coach, Mike Phelan, appointed to the role of sporting director of Central Coast in 2018.
The Mariners have struggled financially and have been in a desperate hunt for investment in recent years. No price is believed to have yet been agreed upon.
Manchester United's revenue was $905 million last year and the club was listed as the tenth most valuable sporting team in the world by Forbes in 2020, said to be worth more than $5 billion.
$5b football giants in talks to buy and relocate A-league leaders
Global sports icon's stunning bid to reignite competition
wwos.nine.com.au
