Former Libyan Colonel Muammar Gaddafi came close to being a part-owner in Manchester United, it has been revealed.
Mehmet Dalman, now chairman of Cardiff City, revealed he was summoned to Libya by private jet in 2004 to discuss the purchase of John Magnier and JP McManus' 29.9 per cent shareholding.
Dalman told the Sunday Times: “People don't realise how the (takeover) deal was a whisker away from going to Libya.
"Gaddafi almost bought the club. That's how close it got - literally, you're talking about a few hours."
Gaddafi, who was overthrown and killed in 2011, went on to purchase Italian club Perugia after the two parties failed to agree on a price for the controlling stake in the Red Devils.
By Paul Vegas
