MANCHESTER UNITED were yesterday at the centre of mounting takeover speculation after chairman Martin Edwards announced that he would be prepared to sell the club if the price is right.

The Double winners, who this week announced annual profits of £16.7 million, have already been the subject of one bid.

Although that £300 million offer from VCI - the video distribution company chaired by Channel Four supremo Michael Grade was rejected, Edwards pointed out that he would be willing to listen to other offers from major companies.

There have already been reports of interest from Granada, the Manchester based independent television company, which would be in a prime position to take full advantage of the expected pay per view revolution in sport on British television.

Every successful company, especially a sport or leisure company, people are going to look at," said Edwards, who is also chief executive of Manchester United plc.

It could well be the subject of a takeover, but what I can say is that it is not something that we have sought or something that we are particularly looking for.

"But if it arises, then we would have to look at it as and when."

It is understood that Edwards, who has a 17 per cent stake in the company would consider offers starting at £400 million.