Russian senator and oil tycoon Ralif Safin has talked to London-based investment banks about making a bid for soccer champions Manchester United, according to reports.
Newspaper reports said it was likely Safin, a founder of Russian oil company Lukoil, would hold off making a move in the near term because ostentatious displays of wealth were unpopular in Russia at the moment.
Safin quit Lukoil in 2002 to become a member of the Russian parliament's upper chamber, the Federation Council.
Manchester United has been the subject of persistent takeover speculation since July when Premier League rival Chelsea was bought for around £60 million sterling by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who quickly spent another £110 million buying players.
Manchester United's largest shareholder is Cubic Expression, an investment vehicle controlled by Irish racehorse magnates J.P. McManus and John Magnier that owns 24.24 per cent of the club.
Last month, US sports entrepreneur Malcolm Glazer raised his stake in the club to 14.31 per cent.