Man Utd and Liverpool set to replicate Man City model as multi-million-pound plans revealed

Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly looking to replicate a Manchester City model when it comes to multi-club ownership.

City were taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, and quickly became one of the highest-spending and most successful clubs in English football.

In the years that followed the takeover, the City Football Group was established. The Group expanded to purchase stakes in clubs across the world, with the Group registered as a holding company which administers those clubs.

Among the clubs that fall under the CFG umbrella are New York City, Melbourne City, Palermo and Troyes. They also own minority stakes in Yokohama F Marinos and Girona.

Meanwhile, the Daily Express claimed that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly was keen to acquire Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. However, the French club's chief executive recently told BFM Alsace that a meeting with Boehly was a 'non-event'.

The owners of Championship side Watford, meanwhile, also own Italian side Udinese, having also previously owned Spanish outfit Granada. Transfers between the two teams regularly take place.

Now, it is claimed other clubs are considering a step to follow the City model.

Man Utd, Liverpool 'could follow Man City model'

According to TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey, Manchester United, Liverpool and at least three other Premier League clubs are considering going down the road of multi-club ownership.

He explained: "Manchester City have led the way in world football when it comes to multi-club ownership.

"The likes of Brighton, Brentford and Watford also have sister clubs - but I understand we are about to see a real acceleration on that front.

"Newcastle United have always planned to go down the multi-club route under their new owners and co-owner Amanda Staveley admitted only this week they would be looking at that route.

"But they are not alone. I understand that within 12 months, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United - new owners or not - could also be exploring that option."