There are rumours some members of the Glazer family are ready to sell a bigger chunk of United to investors

A stake in the Premier League giant Manchester United could soon change hands after a mystery ­Chinese buyer expressed an ­interest in buying out some of the club’s shareholders.

Negotiators claiming to act for a billionaire Asian investor have contac­ted some of United’s independent shareholders in recent weeks over a possible deal to buy a holding in the football club.

The inquiries come amid persistent rumours that some members of the Glazer family are ready to sell a bigger chunk of United to investors, following a stock market listing in 2012 and a second share sale in 2014.

The Glazers control about 80% of the economic interests in the club. The rest is held by investment funds in New York and London.

Sources close to