Manchester United in takeover discussion of Australian club Central Coast Mariners

The Red Devils might be looking at establishing their own network of clubs similar to the City Football Group.

The negotiations are in their early stage, and the A-League club have played down the rumours.

However, Football Australia are ready to welcome United's involvement in the game in their country.

Man United are involved in talks to purchase Australian football club Central Coast Mariners, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The A-League club's owner Mike Charlesworth has been looking to sell it for several years and has been involved in discussions with several Premier League clubs.

Now, Man United appear to be the frontrunners, although the negotiations are currently in their early stage. This might be why Mariners have sought to play down the rumours.

"The chairman has held discussions with a number of clubs and interested parties across a number of years regarding the sale of the club. Speculation is nothing more than speculation," Mariners CEO Shaun Mielekamp said, as quoted by ESPN.

At the same time, Football Australia have already claimed that it would be 'exciting' to have Man United involved, even though they've given no update on the negotiations themselves.

As per the source, the A-League outfit could be the first step towards establishing a global network of clubs, similar to one established by Man City who already own a club in Australia, Melbourne City.