Manchester United have less than a month to finalise a kit deal worth around £600 million. The world-record arrangement would replace the Red Devils' £23.5 million-a-year deal already in place with Nike. Along with a new manager, the deal would prove a massive boost for United in the upcoming transfer window. The existing contract with Nike was signed in 2002 - which makes me feel old - and will expire in 2015.
Following the end of the six-month exclusivity period with Nike at the beginning of the season, talks have been held by senior financial figures within the club and manufacturers Adidas, Puma and Warrior.
United are contractually obliged to allow Nike to match the best rival deal should they so wish. With production and design deadlines rapidly approaching for 2015-16, a decision on which deal to accept will have to be made in the next couple of weeks.
Despite failing to secure a Champions League spot and needing to replace David Moyes, the club's commercial profile remains strong globally. The deal is expected to be worth a whopping £65 million per year. Real Madrid currently top that particular pile, with a deal with Adidas worth £31 million per year.
