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Manchester City have rejected talk they are in discussions with America's MLS to buy a team based in New York.

City were said to be on the brink of becoming owners of a new franchise, to rival the existing Red Bulls team, which will be based in the Queens area of the Big Apple and called New York City FC.

It had been suggested David Beckham had been approached to be part of the scheme, which would cost Blues owner Sheikh Mansour £100million.

However, Manchester City officials have today distanced themselves from the talk.

"Manchester City are not buying an MLS club," said City in a short statement.

Sheikh Mansour has used his involvement with City, on which he has now lavished well in excess of £1billion, to raise the profile of Abu Dhabi.

It was suggested an involvement within the MLS would add to the work that has taken place turning City from a mid-ranking Premier League club into last season's champions.

A second MLS franchise in New York is set to be based in Queens, close to the site of Flushing Meadow, which currently hosts the US tennis open.

Red Bulls play outside New York itself in New Jersey, and feature players including Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Everton favourite Tim Cahill.

City reported annual losses of £97.9million and increased turnover of £231.1million on Friday.