MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a world-record shirt sponsorship deal — with a Chinese company.
Old Trafford executives have held a series of talks with the Haier group, whose brands include Hoover.
Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attended United’s fundraiser for UnicefCredit: Getty – Contributor
United want to replace Chevrolet’s £64m-a-year tie-up and remain a huge commercial draw despite their recent struggles under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The club’s top brass, including Woodward, Solskjaer and the Norwegian’s squad took part in the annual Unicef fundraiser, where they all dressed in black tie.
And SunSport can reveal Haier, who bought Italian electricals giant Candy for £405m in July, are keen on becoming United’s new sponsor.
Senior representatives of the Chinese corporation have been in the UK since last week.
And they held talks at United’s London business base over the past few days.
Manchester United declined to comment, although it is known the club have had multiple enquiries since news of the likely termination of their Chevrolet deal emerged.
An industry source revealed: “United’s sponsorship process has become an industry benchmark. Their shirt is one of the most valuable assets in world sport.”
United would want £70m-plus a season from Haier, who could opt to put one of their brands on the Old Trafford shirt.
SunSport understands an agreement could be reached soon — though United would not rule out alternative options.
Chevrolet’s mega-money seven-year deal was agreed in 2014 and still remains the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in world sport.
The American car giant is now seeking to exit the contract early but United have landed new tie-ups with Lego, Japanese video games firm Konami and Chinese gambling giant Yabo Sport.
The most lucrative Premier League shirt sponsors
And with red famously a “lucky” colour in the Far East, Haier’s talks make commercial sense.
Meanwhile, ex-United star Gary Neville reckons boss Solskjaer must spend big in January.
On Sky Sports, he said: “Ole must spend on two or three experienced stars — he must demand it.
“He needs that ruthless streak that a Jose Mourinho has.”
United already have a lucrative shirt sponsorship deal with ChevroletCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford attended a black tie fundraising dinner for UnicefCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
