David Beckham and fellow members of Manchester United's 'Class of 92' are exploring the possibility of being part of a consortium which is bidding to buy the club, according to reports.
The Sun claimed that Beckham, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt have held talks about fronting a takeover which would be backed by money from the Middle East.
The club are owned by the Glazers, an American family who have always insisted they intend to retain United in the long term but who have faced criticism over the level of debt run up under their stewardship.
Speaking as TV pundits after United's dismal 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford on Tuesday, Scholes and Gary Neville delivered a scathing assessment of their former club.
Scholes said United need to sign a host of players in the summer, while Gary Neville claimed his former club were suffering an identity crisis despite spending £80 million since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Giggs is the only member of the 'Class of 92' still plying his trade as a player at Old Trafford where he also serves as a coach alongside Phil Neville and Butt, while Beckham retired last year after a six-month spell at Paris Saint-Germain.
Gary Neville has worked as an analyst and pundit since his retirement in 2011 and Scholes has also worked for Sky Sports.
Investors dubbed the Red Knights tried to lead a buyout in 2010 but were unable to meet the asking price.