MANCHESTER UNITED are closing in on a world-record shirt sponsorship deal with a Chinese company.
Old Trafford executives have held a series of talks with the Haier group, whose brands include Hoover.
United want to replace Chevrolets 64m-a-year tie-up and remain a huge commercial draw despite their recent struggles under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The club’s top brass, including Woodward, Solskjaer and the Norwegian’s squad took part in the annual Unicef fundraiser, where they all dressed in black tie.
And SunSport can reveal Haier, who bought Italian electricals giant Candy for 405m in July, are keen on becoming Uniteds new sponsor.
Senior representatives of the Chinese corporation have been in the UK since last week.
And they held talks at Uniteds London business base over the past few days.
Manchester United declined to comment, although it is known the club have had multiple enquiries since news of the likely termination of their Chevrolet deal emerged.
An industry source revealed: “Uniteds sponsorship process has become an industry benchmark. Their shirt is one of the most valuable assets in world sport.”
United would want 70m-plus a season from Haier, who could opt to put one of their brands on the Old Trafford shirt.
SunSport understands an agreement could be reached soon though United would not rule out alternative options.
Chevrolets mega-money seven-year deal was agreed in 2014 and still remains the biggest shirt sponsorship deal in world sport.
The American car giant is now seeking to exit the contract early but United have landed new tie-ups with Lego, Japanese video games firm Konami and Chinese gambling giant Yabo Sport.
And with red famously a lucky colour in the Far East, Haiers talks make commercial sense.
Meanwhile, ex-United star Gary Neville reckons boss Solskjaer must spend big in January.
On Sky Sports, he said: Ole must spend on two or three experienced stars he must demand it.
“He needs that ruthless streak that a Jose Mourinho has.”
