London: Manchester United are reported to be opening talks with Nike over a world record £400 million kit deal, according to The News of the World.
Already, Nike pay United £23.5 million per year and their 10-year deal expires in 2015.
United owners, the Glazer family, want to make their club the top earners once again, after seeing their current deal overtaken in recent years.
An insider said: "The club have made big efforts on the commercial side over the last 12 months but the kit deal is the real big one.
"The Glazer family are well aware what United's brand is currently worth.
"It's not gone unnoticed that kit deals have been taken to another level since the club entered into our original agreement."
United’s global stars like Park Ji-Sung and Javier Hernandez help sell millions of shirts around the world and the club is aware that they are the leading sports franchise for Nike.
However, the Glazers may be tempted by rival offers if Nike cannot deliver, given that they are focused on paying off their club’s debts.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly planning to spend £25m on a “virtual hospital” at their Carrington training ground, with the Glazers having apparently approved the state-of-the-art project.
The hospital will include a new sports science unit, rehabilitation facilities and top-class fitness and gym areas, while they are looking at the latest MRI and CT equipment to make instant medical assessments.
Manager Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to view the project as keeping United ahead of their European rivals.
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