This week is expected to be key in the Red Knights' plans to buy Manchester United.

The Sunday Times says the Glazer family, which has owned the Manchester club for five years, has to date snubbed the Red Knights, a consortium of wealthy fans that is trying to mount a takeover bid.

This week is crucial for the Knights. Having worked out the detailed structure of their bid, they plan to present it to key investors. If they signal their support, a bid could be made between the close of the English season in early May and the start of the World Cup in South Africa in mid-June.

The Knights plan to raise about £500m from wealthy fans and another £250m from shares issued to rank-and-file United supporters. If the share issue is oversubscribed, the big investors could see their stake of the consortium whittled down.