THE Glazer family could nearly triple their money only five years after buying Manchester United if the Red Knights consortium of City financiers pulls off a £1.25 billion takeover of the world-famous football club.

About £750m would go to the Glazers, who put in £272m when they bought the club in 2005, City sources said. The Florida-based family insisted last week they had no plans to sell.

It is understood that the Knights value United at up to £1.25 billion, including its £500m of debt. They hope to raise £750m to pay off the Glazers — £250m from supporters’ groups and £500m from a consortium of wealthy private investors — and would retain the £500m of bond debt raised by the club in January.

The Glazers’ proceeds would probably be reduced by the need to repay £200m of “pik” (payment in kind) notes that helped to finance the original takeover.

+ Rangers, the leaders of the Scottish Premier League, are tipped to receive a takeover offer within days. Andrew Ellis, the property developer, is believed to be lining up an approach. Two other parties are understood to be circling the club, which has been put up for sale by Sir David Murray.