Malcolm Glazer, a US billionaire sports businessman, has reportedly bought a £9m slice of Manchester United football club.
David Beckham: a costly asset
Mr Glazer, who also owns reigning Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers, secretly acquired the 2.9% stake, according to several Sunday press reports.
The news prompted speculation that the UK's most profitable football club could become the focus of a transatlanctic takeover.
The Sunday Telegraph suggests the move would forge close commercial links - or even a merger - between two of the world's biggest sports institutions.
A number of hefty dealings in Manchester United shares has kept investors and analysts guessing recently.
Three Irish entrepreneurs, including Dermot Desmond, now control 10% of the club.
But it is not known whether the trio are working together to increase their overall stake.
Manchester United is one of the few football clubs to enjoy success on the stock markets.
Its share price has risen 10% since the beginning of the year.
Despite its financial success, the club lost the final of the Worthington Cup to Liverpool on Sunday.