Confusion reigns over reports from the Middle East last night that an Arab Sheikh has bought a 60 per cent stake in a top English club.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr al-Qassimi - a member of a ruling family in the United Arab Emirates - is said to have snapped up the holding in an unnamed club and will be honorary chairman.

City insiders were last night sceptical over the report from the UAE's official news agency, which said further details would be announced this week.

Portsmouth and relegated Newcastle are among top English clubs currently up for sale, while Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan have tried to sell the club in the past, says The Sun.