According to the Sunday Times, 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.
“The Irish tycoons fell out with former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson over the ownership of racehorse Rock of Gibraltar and asked Dalman to help flog their shares.” The Sunday Times added.
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.” He added to The Sunday Times.
Gaddafi 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, The Sunday Times explained.