Takeover speculation provoked by BSkyB's bid for Manchester United has sent shares in the leading British football clubs soaring.
Manchester United itself led the market boom. Its shares rose by 47.5p, or 30 per cent, to 206.5p.
The rise, which adds £123 million to the value of the club, leaves the price still almost 20p a share below BSkyB's rumoured bidding price of 225p a share.
The biggest other share gains were among Premier League clubs whose revenues from TV broadcasting rights make them the most attractive business propositions.
There was speculation that other media groups may now launch for other clubs to gain control of potentially lucrative future television rights.
Top of the list to follow Mr Murdoch's move is Carlton Communications, owner of London's weekday ITV franchise, Carlton Television. Carlton yesterday was linked with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, although a spokesman would not comment on either deal. A Carlton insider, however, confirmed that the company was talking to several clubs. Sources suggest that a deal is some way off and the timing of the Manchester United/BSkyB announcement "couldn't have been worse for Carlton".
After Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal - which is not a public company - clubs such as Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Chelsea were seen as the most tempting potential targets.
On the market Tottenham Hotspur, which sacked its manager, Mr Christian Gross, at the weekend, rose by 3.5p to 64p. Chelsea Village rose by 6.5p to 78p, Newcastle United by 5p to 67.5p and Leicester City by 3.5p to 36p. Aston Villa finished up 52.5p at 615p.
First Division benefitted from the share boost - Sunderland gained 15p to 495p.
However, several lower division sides were relatively unaffected by the news.
In Scotland, Alternative Investment Market-listed champions Celtic, whose future ownership is also uncertain, closed up £20.00 on £225 per share.
Meanwhile, BSkyB closed up 14.75p at 476.75p.
Enic, the group that some believe may launch a rival offer for Manchester United, joined the trend, gaining 9.5p to 128.5p.
Shares in the Granada group, which was also the subject of speculation that it might bid for the club, gained 7p to 837p.